Yorkshireman marooned in Madrid as Spanish deaths surge close to 500

A Sheffield-raised journalist is adapting to a restricted life in Madrid after the sprawling metropolis has quickly turned into a ghost town since the country's government declared the state of emergency and imposed a nationwide lockdown for two weeks - aiming to stop the spread of the coronavirus in the country.

However the Spanish minister for transport, José Luis Ábalos, warned yesterday that the lockdown is likely to "last more than 15 days" since this period would not alone be enough for the country to "win the battle" against the coronavirus.

As of today deaths from coronavirus in Spain surged to 491 from 309 the day before, health officials have said.

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The number of confirmed cases also spiralled by 2,000 to 11,178, as Spain closed its borders and maintained a partial lockdown on 47 million people.

A deserted terrace bar close to Madrid's Royal Palace, which would normally be bustling on an evening this time of year. Photo credit: James DaceyA deserted terrace bar close to Madrid's Royal Palace, which would normally be bustling on an evening this time of year. Photo credit: James Dacey
A deserted terrace bar close to Madrid's Royal Palace, which would normally be bustling on an evening this time of year. Photo credit: James Dacey
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James Dacey, who grew up in Sheffield and is currently working as a freelance journalist after moving to the Spanish capital at the end of last year, is having to adjust to the stringent measures imposed since Spain’s president Pedro Sánchez declared an estado de alarma (state of emergency) on March 13.

This includes the Spanish government's order to close of all non-essential shops as well as bars, restaurants and cafes.

"The Spanish lockdown is going to be a challenging few weeks," the former Totley resident said.

A face-masked tourist observes two nuns entering Almudena Cathedral in Madrid. Photo credit: James DaceyA face-masked tourist observes two nuns entering Almudena Cathedral in Madrid. Photo credit: James Dacey
A face-masked tourist observes two nuns entering Almudena Cathedral in Madrid. Photo credit: James Dacey
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Only a few broken leaves scattered across the marble table-tops were the only sign of life as Mr Dacey passed a terrace bar opposite Madrid’s Royal Palace on the weekend – a spot that would normally be bustling with people at this time of year on his way alone to buy essential supplies.

The public have been ordered to stay at home, and are allowed out only to buy food and medicine or travel to work, health centres or banks. Travel is also only permitted for those looking after the elderly or dependents.

"We’re confined to our homes and there is a sense this could drag on for weeks," Mr Dacey said.

It has been ruled that people can only leave the house on their own and not in pairs and failure to respond to a police request to return home can result in penalties ranging from 100 euros fines to imprisonment for extreme cases.

Police barricade tape has appeared over the weekend in Madrid forbidding people to enter public parks. Photo credit: James DaceyPolice barricade tape has appeared over the weekend in Madrid forbidding people to enter public parks. Photo credit: James Dacey
Police barricade tape has appeared over the weekend in Madrid forbidding people to enter public parks. Photo credit: James Dacey
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According to Spanish national paper El País the fines are being imposed, including to a group of leisure cyclists in Madrid on Sunday.

"In the streets, police officers are patrolling in numbers," Mr Dacey said.

"Supermarkets, pharmacies and shops selling essential items have remained open but we are being instructed to visit these places sparingly and always alone.

"The rest of the time, we need to stay put at home, where the vast majority of us live in apartment blocks, without access to outside space."

Police barricade tape has been imposed forbidding people to enter public parks. Photo credit: James Dacey.Police barricade tape has been imposed forbidding people to enter public parks. Photo credit: James Dacey.
Police barricade tape has been imposed forbidding people to enter public parks. Photo credit: James Dacey.
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Mr Dacey, who lives in the neighbourhood of Argüelles, said he was fortunate to be able to work from home but was concerned for those not so fortunate and 'deserted local businesses'.

"Working as a freelancer, at least I’m able to carry on working from the flat. But others are not so fortunate," the 35-year-old said.

"I know of various people who are currently not receiving any income.

"Seeing all the shutters down on the local businesses...it's sad to think about the financial thump all these owners are taking.

"There must be similar stories right across Spain."

Fresh graffiti on a closed kiosk saying Europe needed a scare. Photo credit: James DaceyFresh graffiti on a closed kiosk saying Europe needed a scare. Photo credit: James Dacey
Fresh graffiti on a closed kiosk saying Europe needed a scare. Photo credit: James Dacey
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Various musicians have recorded free concerts from their houses in a festival streamed on Instagram called 'Yo Me Quedo En Casa' (I’m staying at home) and and several theatres are doing a similar initiative where you can pay to watch performances online.

Madrid’s Prado art gallery has launched the social media campaign #PradoContigo (The Prado with you), which includes daily videos describing selected artworks.

Meanwhile, there is a strong community spirit within Mr Dacey's apartment block. Each evening at a designated time residents stand at their windows and give a round of applause to all the health workers across Spain.

That ritual is usually accompanied by an individual playing 'Resistiré' (I will resist), a Spanish pop song from the 80s that has made a comeback since the coronavirus crisis began.

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"I have no doubt that Madrid will resist and gradually come back to life in the coming weeks," he said.

"For now though, it’s time to sit tight and adopt that understated attitude that growing up in Yorkshire gives you for life.

"It’s grim here right now, but things will get better if we come together as a community and remember to be kind to one another".

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