Wendy's Tenerife diary: 'essential' businesses are starting to open up again

Royton-born Wendy Muldowney, who has lived on Tenerife for nearly 30 years, continues her exclusive insight  for Oldham Chronicle readers on  the reality of lockdown on one of Britain’s favourite sunshine destinations.

The mother of two lives in Los Gigantes in the south west of the island, a favourite holiday destination for Oldhamers.

Now, seven-and-a-half weeks into lockdown, islanders are able to exercise for one hour a day, but only within one km of their homes.

There are separate exercise times for young children, over 70s and for the 14 to 70 year olds, always respecting social distancing and using PPE when necessary. 

Face masks and gloves must be used when travelling on public transport. 

Wendy said: “There has now also been an advancement on walking our dogs.

"We can take them on our 60-minute walks and not only be within 200m of our homes, enabling the dogs to get more exercise.

“I must admit, on the first night I did go out within the allotted timetable 8pm till 11pm, I was met by half of the village all walking, jogging, skateboarding and roller blading.

“But the most important thing, everyone was respecting the distancing laws which put me at ease.

“There is still a police presence on roads in and out of the villages, checking on why you are out and have you got proof of purchase.

"Fines of 600€ to 30.000€ are still being handed out.

“But on the whole I think for seven-and-a-half weeks on a very strict lockdown here in Santiago del Teide, we have done very well indeed.”

Wendy went on: “Since last week the community has remained with 10 people that have had a positive Coronavirus result, two people unfortunately passed away.

"Thankfully four are better and we still have four fighting the virus. 

“And I just heard our lockdown has been extended until Sunday, May 24.

“We are in our coming out ‘stage zero’, meaning we have a little more freedom of movement until we reach stage four, which will be back to a normal life.

“A few more ‘essential’ businesses are now open on an appointment only basis - pet parlours, hardware stores. 

”As from Monday, May 11, bars and restaurants with terraces may open with a maximum capacity of 50 per cent. 

"You can’t use the inside of the premises yet.

"That will come at a later stage, hopefully in two weeks.  

"Beaches, parks and mountain areas are still closed.

“Hopefully, other shops will open from the 11th, but the large commercial centres still aren’t open.

“We still have no idea as to what will happen regarding the tourism here on the island.

"Only time will tell.

“We are praying the rest of the world stay home, stay safe and reduce the cases of the coronavirus, then, hopefully, things will get back to normal sooner, meaning you can go on your holidays - and I can get back working in the hotel. 

“Fingers crossed we all stay safe, wash our hands, respect the front line workers who are putting their lives on the line to help us all... and fingers crossed we will all be able to meet up soon on the other side of this nightmare.

“So stay home folks, stay safe and hopefully see you soon!” Wendy added.

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