A drone flies over the beach of Lloret de Mar, where cords now delimit spaces reserved for different ages. The pandemic is under control in Spain but the seaside resorts are preparing to coexist with the virus all summer.
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“It is a question of reconciling comfort and relaxation while being in a safe environment”, explains Jaume Dulset, the mayor of this municipality of 37,000 inhabitants, 70 kilometers northeast of Barcelona.
While Spain has been one of the countries most affected by the pandemic, with more than 28,300 deaths, this resort on the Costa Brava wants to reassure tourists, who can return since the borders reopened last Sunday.
The main beaches of LLoret, usually crowded in summer, have been divided into age groups. Cameras with sensors detect the occupancy level of each zone that users can check on an application.
Municipal staff have been reinforced to combat any inappropriate behavior. A drone is responsible for detecting gatherings and inciting summer visitors, via a pre-recorded message, to maintain safe distances …
A system has even been designed to reserve space on the beach, but has not yet been put into service. “As long as we have to do it,” said the mayor of Lloret de Mar, a resort usually popular with the French and the British.
“We are better than before”
Because if the sun is already scorching, only a handful of bathers have installed lounge chairs and towels on the main beach, which can accommodate some 15,000 people.
“Normally, it’s already full (at this time). There are still very few people and it’s easy to keep your distance, ”explains José Maria Quicio, a 78-year-old retiree who came with his wife Olga Ferrer, 81.
The couple put their folding chairs a few meters from the shore, near red ropes delimiting the space reserved for the over 70s. “This is our area,” says Olga, who has just gone to soak in the water. “It makes us feel more secure, we are very good there, better than before”, she insists.
About fifty meters away, stands the post of the rescuer who, despite the heat, wears a cloth mask under his sunglasses. This summer, he will also have to make sure that distances are respected and frequently disinfect toilets and first aid facilities.
“Our main goal is that no one drowns. But we will also have to participate in the rest of the tasks, ”explains the rescue coordinator, Joel da Silva.
The municipal plan also provides for measures in restaurants, hotels or nightclubs and has even funded training in health and hygiene security for 8,500 employees.
“There is a lot of uncertainty, but (…) we are ready to welcome tourists, we are waiting with open arms, we hope to save the season,” admits the mayor.
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