OBSOLETE COVID THREAD Galicia compulsory use of masks in all public areas

[casa susana]

Galicia

Galicia was one of the first regions to implement the mandatory use of rules in all of public spaces. Masks with valves are prohibited and not wearing a mask can cost you up to €100.

To my mind walking through a small village on the Camino IS A PUBLIC AREA. Please pilgrims show respect for the people who live here and protect them by wearing a mask.

 

[Harington]

Galicia

Galicia was one of the first regions to implement the mandatory use of rules in all of public spaces. Masks with valves are prohibited and not wearing a mask can cost you up to €100.

To my mind walking through a small village on the Camino IS A PUBLIC AREA. Please pilgrims show respect for the people who live here and protect them by wearing a mask.

Why are masks with valves prohibited?

 

[trecile]

Why are masks with valves prohibited?

Masks with valves are prohibited in many places because they allow exhaled air and droplets to escape through the valve.

Those face masks with breathing valves? They aren't effective, doctors say

Some mask mandates banned the use of masks with breathing valves because they don't stop the spread of coronavirus.

www.usatoday.com

 

[casa susana]

A little more about Vilacha. There are 30 people here. As you enter Vilacha, a walled garden on the right, has a tap, which brings drinking water from a natural spring into Vilacha. We all take our drinking water from there. It is on the Camino so we pass pilgrims, going to collect our drinking water. Our homes have wells and we use this water for everything else. Also on the left side of the Camino is a metal gate. This is the entrance to the chicken yard of my elderly neighbours (both over 80), who tend to the chickens several times a day - taking them food, collecting eggs, letting them out to forage, and locking them up at night. A little further along is the home of my nearest neighbour. For 8 months she has had chemotherapy and radiotherapy for advanced breast cancer. She is immuno suppressed. Juan, approaching 80, takes the cows out to graze along the Camino each day. I am telling you these things to try to get pilgrims to understand on a more personal level, why they should put on masks when they enter our village. It is a sign of respect to care enough to want to protect us. In a sense you are invading our private world, by walking through our village. To you though, it is public space, and the law says that masks are compulsory in all public spaces - outdoors and indoors.
I hope by reading this, some pilgrims change their attitude and behaviour, in order to protect the local people who just lead a simple life, but for whom the Corona virus has made life complicated. Thank you for reading this.

 

[lt56ny]

A little more about Vilacha. There are 30 people here. As you enter Vilacha, a walled garden on the right, has a tap, which brings drinking water from a natural spring into Vilacha. We all take our drinking water from there. It is on the Camino so we pass pilgrims, going to collect our drinking water. Our homes have wells and we use this water for everything else. Also on the left side of the Camino is a metal gate. This is the entrance to the chicken yard of my elderly neighbours (both over 80), who tend to the chickens several times a day - taking them food, collecting eggs, letting them out to forage, and locking them up at night. A little further along is the home of my nearest neighbour. For 8 months she has had chemotherapy and radiotherapy for advanced breast cancer. She is immuno suppressed. Juan, approaching 80, takes the cows out to graze along the Camino each day. I am telling you these things to try to get pilgrims to understand on a more personal level, why they should put on masks when they enter our village. It is a sign of respect to care enough to want to protect us. In a sense you are invading our private world, by walking through our village. To you though, it is public space, and the law says that masks are compulsory in all public spaces - outdoors and indoors.
I hope by reading this, some pilgrims change their attitude and behaviour, in order to protect the local people who just lead a simple life, but for whom the Corona virus has made life complicated. Thank you for reading this.

Thanks for this and this should be given or others like this to be read by every person who does not wear a mask in public and especially those who have outrage about how "their rights of free speech or expression" are being trampled on. This is not political this is health and safetyt. Not just our personal health and safety but everyone.

 

[hughb]

A little more about Vilacha. There are 30 people here. As you enter Vilacha, a walled garden on the right, has a tap, which brings drinking water from a natural spring into Vilacha. We all take our drinking water from there. It is on the Camino so we pass pilgrims, going to collect our drinking water. Our homes have wells and we use this water for everything else. Also on the left side of the Camino is a metal gate. This is the entrance to the chicken yard of my elderly neighbours (both over 80), who tend to the chickens several times a day - taking them food, collecting eggs, letting them out to forage, and locking them up at night. A little further along is the home of my nearest neighbour. For 8 months she has had chemotherapy and radiotherapy for advanced breast cancer. She is immuno suppressed. Juan, approaching 80, takes the cows out to graze along the Camino each day. I am telling you these things to try to get pilgrims to understand on a more personal level, why they should put on masks when they enter our village. It is a sign of respect to care enough to want to protect us. In a sense you are invading our private world, by walking through our village. To you though, it is public space, and the law says that masks are compulsory in all public spaces - outdoors and indoors.
I hope by reading this, some pilgrims change their attitude and behaviour, in order to protect the local people who just lead a simple life, but for whom the Corona virus has made life complicated. Thank you for reading this.

I understand your pain. I am sorry that many pilgrims do not understand. To many English speaking pilgrims think that they are above the local law. I live in Portugal, I have experienced so many Americans, Brits, Australians, South Africans, etc, màny who live here, actually ignoring the law. Why do English speaking pilgrims think that they can walk any caminho this year. Stay home. Stay safe and protect Spain

 

[Turga]

I understand your pain. I am sorry that many pilgrims do not understand. To many English speaking pilgrims think that they are above the local law. I live in Portugal, I have experienced so many Americans, Brits, Australians, South Africans, etc, màny who live here, actually ignoring the law. Why do English speaking pilgrims think that they can walk any caminho this year. Stay home. Stay safe and protect Spain

Well, no wonder that people are confused about what is right to do. On August 6, the Danish Foreign Ministry changed (again) the travel assessment for Spain to ‘orange’ advising against all ‘non-essential’ travel to Spain. The official/governmental Tourist Bureau reacted with a note which (among other things) said that: “… the Tourist Bureau of the Spanish State [wants to] inform about the measures and initiatives which are taken by Spanish authorities in order to control the development of the spread of COVID-19 across the country to guarantee the health and security for all tourists, who have chosen to take vacation in our country.”

I am not advocating going or not, only pointing out that interests in the matter are many and the signals are varied which can easily lead to a kind of ‘decision-confusion.’

 

[VNwalking]

To you though, it is public space, and the law says that masks are compulsory in all public spaces - outdoors and indoors.
I hope by reading this, some pilgrims change their attitude and behaviour, in order to protect the local people who just lead a simple life, but for whom the Corona virus has made life complicated. Thank you for reading this.

To many English speaking pilgrims think that they are above the local law. I live in Portugal, I have experienced so many Americans, Brits, Australians, South Africans, etc, màny who live here, actually ignoring the law. Why do English speaking pilgrims think that they can walk any caminho this year. Stay home. Stay safe and protect Spain

These posts are heartbreaking to read.
Please think of others before you act - it is a mark of your humanity.
Besides, in these situations, "rules" apply to everyone, whether we like it or not.

 

[casa susana]

I have put 2 signs as you enter Vilachá to ask pilgrims to wear masks - to protect us. It is an experiment. I can observe pilgrims from my kitchen window. Unfortunately, the majority of pilgrims have failed to display their care for others, and worn masks as they pass through OUR VILLAGE. I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT MY EXPERIMENT HAS FAILED. Unfortunately, the majority of pilgrims only care for themselves and are not interested in protecting others. It was worth a try

 

[casa susana]

I have put 2 signs as you enter Vilachá to ask pilgrims to wear masks - to protect us. It is an experiment. I can observe pilgrims from my kitchen window. Unfortunately, the majority of pilgrims have failed to display their care for others, and worn masks as they pass through OUR VILLAGE. I AM DISAPPOINTED THAT MY EXPERIMENT HAS FAILED. Unfortunately, the majority of pilgrims only care for themselves and are not interested in protecting others. It was worth a try

I want to sit outside in my private space, that borders the Camino and feel safe. It is too hot to be upstairs. Please pilgrims let me be safe in my own home

 

[VNwalking]

@casa susana, what you've described is also a pandemic - in this case a behavioural one. It's infuriating even at a distance, and I can only imagine how it feels close up.

I hope you are also posting exactly what you just wrote in the FB camino pages so it gets a wider audience. A photo of your sign on instagram wouldn't hurt either.

 

[Albertagirl]

I am so sorry that this is happening, as it is a threat to the health, and the lives, of the local people brought by the pilgrims who walk through your village. I fear that many of the pilgrims in Spain do not realize the danger and may be unaware of the law. In Canada, regulations about wearing masks in public have been introduced very recently, and largely by local intitiative. My city of Calgary started to require masks only this month, and only in public indoor spaces. Other towns and cities are gradually requiring this also, but it is not universal. I only know of one town, the tourist town of Banff, which requires wearing masks outdoors in a limited two block outdoor space which has been closed off to traffic and made a pedestrian space for the summer. It is certainly necessary that travelers obey all laws and regulations of their host countries, but I believe that ignorance, rather than indifference to the health of local people, may be the cause of this situation.

 

[Lexicos]

How very disappointing to read this.
If pilgrims feel they must go then they absolutely must respect the country, the people and the rules. Otherwise, best not to go at all. Our joy and pleasure should not be at the expense of our hosts, or at anyone else's expense for that matter.
The whole point of the Camino is to teach us to give care and joy to others, not how to take it away.

 

[casa susana]

@casa susana, what you've described is also a pandemic - in this case a behavioural one. It's infuriating even at a distance, and I can only imagine how it feels close up.

I hope you are also posting exactly what you just wrote in the FB camino pages so it gets a wider audience. A photo of your sign on instagram wouldn't hurt either.

Sorry at 69 I have decided I have no wish to join the Instagram age

 

[VNwalking]

Sorry at 69 I have decided I have no wish to join the Instagram age

Fair enough. Neither do I.
But I hope there are social-media savvy people here who can amplify the message in your sign.
All blessings to you and everyone else in Vilachá.

 

[VNwalking]

Oh, and it's worth reading this:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/mask-test-duke-covid/2020/08/10/4f2bb888-db18-11ea-b205-ff838e15a9a6_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-banner-main_neckgaiters-755am%3Ahomepage%2Fstory-ans

Your Buff or bandanna are not going to do any good as face masks and may actually be worse than nothing.

 

[casa susana]

Fair enough. Neither do I.
All blessings to you and everyone else in Vilachá.

Fair enough. Neither do I.
But I hope there are social-media savvy people here who can amplify the message in your sign.
All blessings to you and everyone else in Vilachá.

Fair enough. Neither do I.
But I hope there are social-media savvy people here who can amplify the message in your sign.
All blessings to you and everyone else in Vilachá.

Oh, and it's worth reading this:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/mask-test-duke-covid/2020/08/10/4f2bb888-db18-11ea-b205-ff838e15a9a6_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-banner-main_neckgaiters-755am%3Ahomepage%2Fstory-ans

Your Buff or bandanna are not going to do any good as face masks and may actually be worse than nothing.

 

[casa susana]

Oh, and it's worth reading this:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/mask-test-duke-covid/2020/08/10/4f2bb888-db18-11ea-b205-ff838e15a9a6_story.html?hpid=hp_hp-banner-main_neckgaiters-755am%3Ahomepage%2Fstory-ans

Your Buff or bandanna are not going to do any good as face masks and may actually be worse than nothing.

What is FB Camino pages?

 

[Pelegrin]

Vilachá is Poboa de Brollon isn't it ?.
If I were you I'd ask the axuntamento to send the local police to fine with 100 € (I think).

 

[casa susana]

It is Vilachá as Cortes 3 kilometres from Portomarin. There are many Vilacha's - it means a village

 

[VNwalking]

What is FB Camino pages?

I only know from word of mouth, but Facebook has a camino group. @SYates or @LTfit could put something up if like me you don't have an account.

 

[trecile]

What is FB Camino pages?

There are many Camino groups on Facebook.

 

[Theatregal]

Hello @casa susana I am also not on Facebook but I'm sure many on the forum are and are connected to camino groups. I think your post "A little more about Vilacha" should be widely posted on on all sites. It is an important call for empathy, respect and common sense during this continuing global pandemic.

With your permission, I could certainly forward your message to the Canadian Company of Pilgrims with a request to post it on their website as a very clear and poignant picture of the impact of such disregard for the lives of people who host and care for pilgrims traveling through their communities.

 

[Pelegrin]

It is Vilachá as Cortes 3 kilometres from Portomarin. There are many Vilacha's - it means a village

Ah ok. Thank you.
Yes there must be a lot Vilachas in Galicia.
Vila chá means flat village.

 

[trecile]

A little more about Vilacha. There are 30 people here. As you enter Vilacha, a walled garden on the right, has a tap, which brings drinking water from a natural spring into Vilacha. We all take our drinking water from there. It is on the Camino so we pass pilgrims, going to collect our drinking water. Our homes have wells and we use this water for everything else. Also on the left side of the Camino is a metal gate. This is the entrance to the chicken yard of my elderly neighbours (both over 80), who tend to the chickens several times a day - taking them food, collecting eggs, letting them out to forage, and locking them up at night. A little further along is the home of my nearest neighbour. For 8 months she has had chemotherapy and radiotherapy for advanced breast cancer. She is immuno suppressed. Juan, approaching 80, takes the cows out to graze along the Camino each day. I am telling you these things to try to get pilgrims to understand on a more personal level, why they should put on masks when they enter our village. It is a sign of respect to care enough to want to protect us. In a sense you are invading our private world, by walking through our village. To you though, it is public space, and the law says that masks are compulsory in all public spaces - outdoors and indoors.
I hope by reading this, some pilgrims change their attitude and behaviour, in order to protect the local people who just lead a simple life, but for whom the Corona virus has made life complicated. Thank you for reading this.

May I post this on the Camino Facebook groups that I belong to?

 

[casa susana]

Hello @casa susana I am also not on Facebook but I'm sure many on the forum are and are connected to camino groups. I think your post "A little more about Vilacha" should be widely posted on on all sites. It is an important call for empathy, respect and common sense during this continuing global pandemic.

With your permission, I could certainly forward your message to the Canadian Company of Pilgrims with a request to post it on their website as a very clear and poignant picture of the impact of such disregard for the lives of people who host and care for pilgrims traveling through their communities.

You have my permission to circulate my message as widely as possible. Thanks

 

[casa susana]

I only know from word of mouth, but Facebook has a camino group. @SYates or @LTfit could put something up if like me you don't have an account.

You have my permission to circulate the message as widely as possible. Thank you

 

[casa susana]

May I post this on the Camino Facebook groups that I belong to?

Yes please. Thank you for your help in spreading the message

 

[LTfit]

@casa susana I am so disappointed to hear about this. I have an albergue in a small town in Castilla y León and the majority of pilgrims that pass through here do wear a mask but your experience is not unusual unfortunately. Diana, the hospitalera of the municipal in Hontanas had an awful experience with a Spanish pilgrim in the albergue who was very rude, refusing to wear a mask when entering the albergue. She made a video about this subject the other day and posted it on Facebook. Many have shared it to pass on the word. There are signs in Hontana also mentioning the requirement so there is no excuse. Due to the poor experiences she has had she decided to close the municipal albergue for a few days to rest. How sad.

 

[JabbaPapa]

These political decisions sadden me, but all I can do is delay and delay the resumption of my current Camino ...

 

[henrythedog]

Galicia

Galicia was one of the first regions to implement the mandatory use of rules in all of public spaces. Masks with valves are prohibited and not wearing a mask can cost you up to €100.

To my mind walking through a small village on the Camino IS A PUBLIC AREA. Please pilgrims show respect for the people who live here and protect them by wearing a mask.

Is is simply indefensible to not take the easiest of precautions when passing through an area which is clearly populated, and which makes the effort to ask for consideration.

I am not one of those who say it is either impossible, or inappropriate, to walk now. As soon as I can make time, I’m going - but with due care for myself and others.

I live in a part of the UK which attracts many tourists, and we’re currently swamped. Many are being very cavalier in their behaviour - so it’s a universal issue.

 

[Theatregal]

A little more about Vilacha. There are 30 people here. As you enter Vilacha, a walled garden on the right, has a tap, which brings drinking water from a natural spring into Vilacha. We all take our drinking water from there. It is on the Camino so we pass pilgrims, going to collect our drinking water. Our homes have wells and we use this water for everything else. Also on the left side of the Camino is a metal gate. This is the entrance to the chicken yard of my elderly neighbours (both over 80), who tend to the chickens several times a day - taking them food, collecting eggs, letting them out to forage, and locking them up at night. A little further along is the home of my nearest neighbour. For 8 months she has had chemotherapy and radiotherapy for advanced breast cancer. She is immuno suppressed. Juan, approaching 80, takes the cows out to graze along the Camino each day. I am telling you these things to try to get pilgrims to understand on a more personal level, why they should put on masks when they enter our village. It is a sign of respect to care enough to want to protect us. In a sense you are invading our private world, by walking through our village. To you though, it is public space, and the law says that masks are compulsory in all public spaces - outdoors and indoors.
I hope by reading this, some pilgrims change their attitude and behaviour, in order to protect the local people who just lead a simple life, but for whom the Corona virus has made life complicated. Thank you for reading this.

@casa susana Your message has now been posted on the Canadian Company of Pilgrims facebook page. Thank you for writing it - your words stand for every community on every camino route.

 

[trecile]

Yes please. Thank you for your help in spreading the message

I've spread the message with the Camigas group, the Camino del Norte Group for Women, and my post is pending on the Camino de Santiago All Routes group

 

[Thomas1962]

I understand your pain. I am sorry that many pilgrims do not understand. To many English speaking pilgrims think that they are above the local law. I live in Portugal, I have experienced so many Americans, Brits, Australians, South Africans, etc, màny who live here, actually ignoring the law. Why do English speaking pilgrims think that they can walk any caminho this year. Stay home. Stay safe and protect Spain

Any pilgrim who makes any local person uncomfortable is one too many, but the emphasis you make on this subject to English speaking pilgrims does not seem fair to me. In july, about 80% of the pilgrims were Spanish, much more then usual.

 

[Kathor1]

In july, about 80% of the pilgrims were Spanish, much more then usual.

Yes, 80% of the total number of pilgrims in July 2020 who got registered by the Pilgrims Office in Santiago were Spanish; a further 12% were German, Italian, Portuguese, French and Polish nationals - so a grand total of at least 92% were not "Americans, Brits, Australians, South Africans" from the expat community in Portugal that another poster had singled out as flouting local laws.

We can be as indignant as we want about the behaviour of current camino walkers as it is reported and forwarded in English-speaking online forums but I doubt that it reaches any of the intended target groups.

 

[trecile]

Any pilgrim who makes any local person uncomfortable is one too many, but the emphasis you make on this subject to English speaking pilgrims does not seem fair to me. In july, about 80% of the pilgrims were Spanish, much more then usual.

Right, as @LTfit said in this post

the hospitalera of the municipal in Hontanas had an awful experience with a Spanish pilgrim in the albergue who was very rude, refusing to wear a mask when entering the albergue.

 

[casa susana]

Yes, 80% of the total number of pilgrims in July 2020 who got registered by the Pilgrims Office in Santiago were Spanish; a further 12% were German, Italian, Portuguese, French and Polish nationals - so a grand total of at least 92% were not "Americans, Brits, Australians, South Africans" from the expat community in Portugal that another poster had singled out as flouting local laws.

We can be as indignant as we want about the behaviour of current camino walkers as it is reported and forwarded in English-speaking online forums but I doubt that it reaches any of the intended target groups.

Yes I am sorry to say on my observations that it is not only English speaking pilgrims ignoring the law about the compulsory use of masks, it is Spaniards as well

 

[casa susana]

Yes I am sorry to say on my observations that it is not only English speaking pilgrims ignoring the law about the compulsory use of masks, it is Spaniards as well

IMPORTANT NEWS: There are 6 cases of the Corona virus on the Camino in a very small village, Fonfria, in the Pedrafita area. If you have passed through there in the last few days you may either be a contact, or a symptom free spreader.
Here in Vilachå, 2-3 days walking away, I am having problems with pilgrims entering my private downstairs area, despite signs saying it is a private house, and no entry. When I asked pilgrims to leave, I pilgrim, not even wearing a mask, argued with me, but it is raining. My response was: I DON'T GIVE A F*"*" In these Corona times pilgrims must give up their sense of entitlement, or sense of privilege, because they are doing a pilgrimage, and start thinking of others. I AM VULNERABLE, I AM SHIELDING DO NOT ENTER MY SPACE. As you can see by the shouty capitals, I am upset, and angry. Pilgrims will now not feel welcomed, as Virus cases on the Camino develop.

 

[Albertagirl]

This is very bad news, and I am so sorry to hear it. My prayers and best wishes are with you. I think that we who are at home can only help the vulnerable residents in Spain by encouraging would-be pilgrims to stay at home until the virus is no longer a threat. God bless.

 

[SabsP]

IMPORTANT NEWS: There are 6 cases of the Corona virus on the Camino in a very small village, Fonfria, in the Pedrafita area. If you have passed through there in the last few days you may either be a contact, or a symptom free spreader.
Here in Vilachå, 2-3 days walking away, I am having problems with pilgrims entering my private downstairs area, despite signs saying it is a private house, and no entry. When I asked pilgrims to leave, I pilgrim, not even wearing a mask, argued with me, but it is raining. My response was: I DON'T GIVE A F*"*" In these Corona times pilgrims must give up their sense of entitlement, or sense of privilege, because they are doing a pilgrimage, and start thinking of others. I AM VULNERABLE, I AM SHIELDING DO NOT ENTER MY SPACE. As you can see by the shouty capitals, I am upset, and angry. Pilgrims will now not feel welcomed, as Virus cases on the Camino develop.

Extremely saddened and furious at the same time when I read this.
Like you say " this sense of entitlement " is beyond words.
I do hope that the next wave of pilgrims will show more sense.
Please do take care.

 

[Pelegrin]

IMPORTANT NEWS: There are 6 cases of the Corona virus on the Camino in a very small village, Fonfria, in the Pedrafita area. If you have passed through there in the last few days you may either be a contact, or a symptom free spreader.
Here in Vilachå, 2-3 days walking away, I am having problems with pilgrims entering my private downstairs area, despite signs saying it is a private house, and no entry. When I asked pilgrims to leave, I pilgrim, not even wearing a mask, argued with me, but it is raining. My response was: I DON'T GIVE A F*"*" In these Corona times pilgrims must give up their sense of entitlement, or sense of privilege, because they are doing a pilgrimage, and start thinking of others. I AM VULNERABLE, I AM SHIELDING DO NOT ENTER MY SPACE. As you can see by the shouty capitals, I am upset, and angry. Pilgrims will now not feel welcomed, as Virus cases on the Camino develop.

Yes there is news today in La Voz de Galicia. There are 6 people infected in Fonfria so far and 35 more waiting at home for analysis.
The mayor of Pedrafita do Cebreiro, which is the Fonfria municipality, complains that there are a lot of pilgrims these days many of them without mask.

 

[thejoker]

Yes there is news today in La Voz de Galicia. There are 6 people infected in Fonfria so far and 35 more waiting at home for analysis.
The mayor of Pedrafita do Cebreiro, which is the Fonfria municipality, complains that there are a lot of pilgrims these days many of them without mask.

This is very sad but it was so predictable.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

there are a lot of pilgrims these days many of them without mask.

This is so very disrespectful. How can things improve if even the simplest of precautions are not taken. I think laziness and inconvenience could be a big factor. Their insolence is deplorable.

 

[casa susana]

This is so very disrespectful. How can things improve if even the simplest of precautions are not taken. I think laziness and inconvenience could be a big factor. Their insolence is deplorable.

The problem is that the pilgrim who brought the virus to the little village of Fonfria has long gone. It took 2 weeks for the locals to start becoming ill. How many others has that person infected along the way. I hope who ever it is is asymptomatic, and so is unknowingly passing the virus on, and not ignoring symptoms, so they don't have the inconvenience of having to quarantine. That would be terrible, if it is true.

 

[domigee]

Yes there is news today in La Voz de Galicia. There are 6 people infected in Fonfria so far and 35 more waiting at home for analysis.
The mayor of Pedrafita do Cebreiro, which is the Fonfria municipality, complains that there are a lot of pilgrims these days many of them without mask.

Brote en Pedrafita con seis positivos y 35 personas aisladas

Todos los habitantes de Fonfría se sometieron a las PCR

www.lavozdegalicia.es

Dreadful news.
The article also says it could be a Catalan family who brought the virus. Could. On returning home to Barcelona they tested positive and informed everyone of their whereabouts.
All my thoughts are with you @casa susana.

 

[Kanga]

This must be a nightmare. It seems that some people only respond to external controls. @casa susana what would be the reaction of the local police if you reported the non-mask wearers? And are they patrolling and looking for violations?

 

[Deleted member 34316]

It seems that some people only respond to external controls

Spaniards hold anti-mask protest in Madrid

Good thing is those people usually don't walk the Camino...

 

[VNwalking]

@casa susana , you have every right to each and every one of those shouty capitals. I'm so sorry this is happening to you - it's beyond deplorable. And as @Kanga says, some people seem to require external controls to give basic consideration to how their actions affect others.

It can't be simple ignorance at this point. Authority issues, entitlement, and immaturity are endangering all of us, but particularly people who are vulnerable and a few degrees of contact away.

Edit - @casa susana , can you get any support from the GC? Because what these idiots 'pilgrims' are doing is trespass.

 

[nycwalking]

Spaniards hold anti-mask protest in Madrid

Good thing is those people usually don't walk the Camino...

These anti-mask protests are gaining traction the world over.

I would not be at all surprised if there were some anti-maskers in the protest who are pilgrims.

In USA we’ve hit 170,000 deaths. And folks are still protesting mask wearing.

I wish I had some answers to unanswered “why” questions.

 

[Kathor1]

The article also says it could be a Catalan family who brought the virus. Could. On returning home to Barcelona they tested positive and informed everyone of their whereabouts.

The article also mentions what the inhabitants of Fonfria say about pilgrims: that most of the pilgrims wear face masks all the time. And that bicycle pilgrims take their masks off only when they are pedalling.

Beware Google Translate, btw. I put another news article about Fonfria through it and the first sentence came up as: Jorge is one of the 27 residents of Fonfría who said no to the bullshit they did to them yesterday. The other six tested positive.

When I look at the original sentence, and without knowing Galician, I guess it actually means that Jorge did no such thing and that he tested negative . It says: Jorge é un dos 27 veciños de Fonfría que deu negativo ás porbas que lles fixeron onte. Os outros seis deron positivo.

 

[Kathor1]

another news article about Fonfria

The article is here and it includes a news video by Galician TV that jogged my memory of what Fonfria looks like. I remember mainly the church. The news video has a number of interviews with inhabitants of Fonfria and it also shows a young man apparently leaving his home to go and get the cows and he isn't wearing a face mask and he is clearly inside the small village. I think one of the most (mentally) unhealthy things one can do at the moment is looking at photos and videos from thousands of miles away and scan faces for whether they are wearing face masks or not ...

 

[Pelegrin]

The article also mentions what the inhabitants of Fonfria say about pilgrims: that most of the pilgrims wear face masks all the time. And that bicycle pilgrims take their masks off only when they are pedalling.

Beware Google Translate, btw. I put another news article about Fonfria through it and the first sentence came up as: Jorge is one of the 27 residents of Fonfría who said no to the bullshit they did to them yesterday. The other six tested positive.

When I look at the original sentence, and without knowing Galician, I guess it actually means that Jorge did no such thing and that he tested negative . It says: Jorge é un dos 27 veciños de Fonfría que deu negativo ás porbas que lles fixeron onte. Os outros seis deron positivo.

Yes the article says that according to Fonfria neighbours the pilgrims wear masks but on a previous article of La Voz the mayor of Pedrafita said the contrary.
Also it is said on the article that a possible origin of the infection is a family from Cataluña who visited Pedrafita.
All the employees of albergue A Reboleira ,that now is closed , are negatives.
So, according to this article the infection may not have been originated by pilgrims.

 

[Pelegrin]

The article is here and it includes a news video by Galician TV that jogged my memory of what Fonfria looks like. I remember mainly the church. The news video has a number of interviews with inhabitants of Fonfria and it also shows a young man apparently leaving his home to go and get the cows and he isn't wearing a face mask and he is clearly inside the small village. I think one of the most unhealthy things one can do at the moment is looking at photos and videos from thousands of miles away and scan faces for whether they are wearing face masks or not ...

The video tells the current situation of Fonfria with people with infection in 4 houses (total 10).
They say that they don't know yet what is going to happen with the possible quarentine.
The origin of the infection is not referred on this video.

 

[Pelegrin]

When I look at the original sentence, and without knowing Galician, I guess it actually means that Jorge did no such thing and that he tested negative . It says: Jorge é un dos 27 veciños de Fonfría que deu negativo ás porbas que lles fixeron onte. Os outros seis deron positivo.

Deu negativo ás porbas is incorrect.
Correct is: Deu negativo ás probas.
I don't know if the translation would be ok with "probas".

 

[Kathor1]

I don't know if the translation would be ok with "probas".

Yes, it makes sense with "probas"! I was quite puzzled by this. I was ready to believe that there were outspoken anti-whatever people even in a tiny village far away ... I mean with all the stuff one reads online . I didn't realise that there was a typing error in the article. But then I'm not a speaker of Galician, let alone a native speaker. Thanks, @Pelegrin!

 

[VNwalking]

I wish I had some answers to unanswered “why” questions

And so say all of us.


And...it is complicated. Many possible layers of answers.

 

[Stephan the Painter]

It’s a simple decision, you respect your neighbors or you decide not to. Now the choice is visible.

 

[Deleted member 34316]

pilgrims entering my private downstairs area, despite signs saying it is a private house, and no entry

Did you try to scare them, Susana? In the time of pandemic, a couple of skull and bones signs around the village would do much better job than the "private area" sign...

A tip: warn your neighbors before you put those signs up, so they don't get a heart attack when they see them...

 

[Patrick Holmes]

Been reading lot of enquiries as to travelling to caminos. Think at this serious time for the world, travel to caminos should not be encouraged or promoted with respect to public health measures across camino countries. The camino will be there for all of us in the future when it is deemed safe to do so. Stay safe all.

 

[Damico Walking]

Did you try to scare them, Susana? In the time of pandemic, a couple of skull and bones signs around the village would do much better job than the "private area" sign...

View attachment 80995
A tip: warn your neighbors before you put those signs up, so they don't get a heart attack when they see them...

Or perhaps this one:

 

[Deleted member 56069]

This is all so sad and depressing to read about. I am now resigned that it may be years before I ever walk another Camino. I wouldn't be at all surprised to hear if Spain gets locked down tight again the way things seem to be going currently.
What a sad mess this all is! Walking a Camino right now would seem be completely joyless activity for both the walker and the locals in Spain in particular.

 

[Deleted member 34316]

Oh, please don't be so pesimistic
Those who are on the Camino at this moment seem to enjoy it a lot.
We just have to care more about each other and first of all about the locals.
I also hope that people will be using the private accommodation more often and private rooms will become more accessible and cheaper. Maybe the Camino will even be rerouted a little bit so that doesn't unnecessarily enter the villages like the one where Susana lives. The Camino will adapt, so will we. But indeed, the selfish Camino of the past (this is MY Camino!) may gradually become a matter of the past.

 

[VNwalking]

But indeed, the selfish Camino of the past (this is MY Camino!) may gradually become a matter of the past.

I'm not holding my breath, but that would be wonderful.

 

[casa susana]

This must be a nightmare. It seems that some people only respond to external controls. @casa susana what would be the reaction of the local police if you reported the non-mask wearers? And are they patrolling and looking for violations?

It is a part of my frustration, the local police, Guardia Civil, are sitting safe in their offices, and ignoring the problem of non mask wearers in Portomarin, let alone venturing out to Vilacha. In other years, they can be seen on the streets, and come up the Camino several times a day. Now I never see them.

 

[casa susana]

I'm not holding my breath, but that would be wonderful.

Unfortunately, my list of grievances continues. My downstairs area is roped off, as I am shielding. The other afternoon I was laying on my bed reading, when I heard voices downstairs. I looked down to see about 10 pilgrims in my private area under my house, many without masks. I challenged them that it is a private home and they must go. This was in Spanish. A young man in his twenties, replied but it is raining, also in Spanish. My reply was in very angry, loud English: - I don't know how to swear in Spanish - I DON'T GIVE A F*** GO NOW. THERE IS A BAR IN 50 METRES, GO THERE. They got the message. The sense of entitlement of pilgrims is not diminishing, I'm afraid. But more sadly, I beat myself up afterwards, for my lack of care and compassion for pilgrims, (when I am just trying to care for my own health), as it goes against my true nature of helping others. I have kept a donativo table and provided a place for pilgrims to rest for 6 years, but for now Casa Susana is definitely closed.

 

[VNwalking]

In other years, they can be seen on the streets, and come up the Camino several times a day. Now I never see them.

The sense of entitlement of pilgrims is not diminishing, I'm afraid. But more sadly, I beat myself up afterwards, for my lack of care and compassion for pilgrims,

Please give yourself a break, @casa susana. These are called boundaries, and sometimes you have to establish them firmly. People who ignore signs, or who invade private property and feel entitled to do so 'just because' obviously need to have a reality check. And you gave them one that was unequivocal. Well done.

Love does not always look sweet, but it does look like the truth.

 

[JabbaPapa]

Masks are now compulsory in all of Spain.

New law introduces stricter face mask rules in Spain

Described as ‘obsolete’ at a meeting of health officials, the legislation has triggered some angry reactions, with the Balearic Islands saying the mandate will not be applied on their territory

english.elpais.com

Take note though :

"It also lets people exercise outdoors individually without a mask, and considers further exceptions in unspecified situations of “force majeure,” as well as “activities that are incompatible with its use.” Legal experts believe that this latter exception is general enough that it might conceivably be used as a way to introduce some slack into a rule that many now see as excessive."

Which is not unlikely to mean that pilgrims who may be walking in Spain while this is still in effect should be able to do so without a mask whilst in the activity of hiking on the Camino.

 

[casa susana]

Galicia

Galicia was one of the first regions to implement the mandatory use of rules in all of public spaces. Masks with valves are prohibited and not wearing a mask can cost you up to €100.

To my mind walking through a small village on the Camino IS A PUBLIC AREA. Please pilgrims show respect for the people who live here and protect them by wearing a mask.

I agree with the message of this thread. To personalize it, as I have said previously small villages have a lot of old people, including me, we have not been vaccinated yet. Pilgrims see me outside my home tending to my pot plants, and when I ask them to put on a mask, they challenge me, why not you? When I say it is my home (private), but public for you, they do not understand. It is a grey area. Where does our private space end and the Camino (which virtually passes my door), become public?
While there have been no pilgrims, we in Vilachá practiced social distancing, stopped entering each others homes, and only wore masks with visiting vendors and tradesmen. Although Paradela, our council area, had 14 Covid cases, and we were in perimeter lockdown for 3 weeks, we have had no cases here in Vilachá. So with the incredible influx of pilgrims this week for Easter, please keep us safe. I ask you as a sign of respect, as you enter our space, our village, wear a mask.

 

[domigee]

I agree with the message of this thread. To personalize it, as I have said previously small villages have a lot of old people, including me, we have not been vaccinated yet. Pilgrims see me outside my home tending to my pot plants, and when I ask them to put on a mask, they challenge me, why not you? When I say it is my home (private), but public for you, they do not understand. It is a grey area. Where does our private space end and the Camino (which virtually passes my door), become public?
While there have been no pilgrims, we in Vilachá practiced social distancing, stopped entering each others homes, and only wore masks with visiting vendors and tradesmen. Although Paradela, our council area, had 14 Covid cases, and we were in perimeter lockdown for 3 weeks, we have had no cases here in Vilachá. So with the incredible influx of pilgrims this week for Easter, please keep us safe. I ask you as a sign of respect, as you enter our space, our village, wear a mask.

I feel your pain
I hope everybody respects the rules. It isn’t too difficult, yet...
beyond the comprehension of some people it seems.
Same here too
All my best wishes to you and here’s hoping to better times!

 

[JabbaPapa]

The Spanish Government is likely to relax the mask rules to an extent, mainly to make it clear that masks need not be worn when outside and alone, or during sports or other activities "incompatible" with mask-wearing. They're talking about a "common sense" approach.

So broadly, for Pilgrims, on the Camino, not necessary, nor when taking a meal or a coffee or something ; in the pueblos (and in the albergues ?), required. Though clearly, speed hiking through a pueblo would be a grey area.

As casa susana asks :

When I say it is my home (private), but public for you, they do not understand. It is a grey area. Where does our private space end and the Camino (which virtually passes my door), become public?

Perhaps the new legislation will clarify this ?

 

[Camino Chrissy]

in the pueblos (and in the albergues ?), required.

I wonder what it would feel like wearing a mask all night while sleeping...it may take some getting used to as it sounds rather uncomfortable.

 

[Nick MJ]

Sorry for being a little slow on this - but what is the definition of a public space in Spain? Does that mean that walking on the camino in a forest a good 1000m from anyone else still means that I should be wearing a mask - on the grounds that the forest is a public space? Any clarification would be gratefully received - as a fully vaccinated Brit, I'm keen to book flights but I'm not keen on walking in high summer wearing a mask!