Update on Coronavirus in Madeira

Tobi Hughes·
News Blog

Peter has posted an update on his article about coronavirus in Madeira.

Leading photo from me this afternoon, just to make all those in the UK jealous… Lol lol lol

Click below to read it in full.

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Tobi Hughes

40 Responses

  1. Hi Tobi I think Peter forgot about all the cruise ships coming here, from the way I read it he seem to think it is only by air

  2. From JN JERSEY CONFIRMS FIRST CORONAVIRUS CASE. Its only matter of time, Living on island when it good Living on a Island when it bad it hell as the locals say

  3. My wife and I have abandoned all our plans for travelling from our home here of twenty-two years. A cruise with Cunard in May from Yokohama to Vancouver was cancelled three weeks ago. Refunded in full already – unlike TAP who promised a refund of eleven hundred pounds for a cancelled flight and incredibly shoddy treatment of my wheelchair bound wife from late December.
    A number of our friends here have also decided to stay put for at least three months.
    It would be naive to believe there is no one here with this virus. Sitting in a sealed metal tube with a couple of hundred others breathing the same air and touching every seat on the way to the loo and back, for three hours or more. What could possibly go wrong?
    A workshop was held yesterday with the local government to discuss all sporting fixtures. I believe there is to be an announcement today.
    In the short term we will probably take an almighty hit on the island’s economy and by that I mean all the workers who have mortgages, rental agreements, credit card debts etc to service. One hopes that the Central European Bank will put pressure on the Bank of Portugal to in turn have the local banks and lending institutions issue moratoria on these payments. Italy has already done so.
    I have no faith in the rubber gloves for protection. The germs ar3 still there on the outside of the gloves to be transmitted wherever. Wash your hands and wrists well. The general advice being to sing along with a song that last at least twenty seconds. American Pie and Hey Jude are rather too long!
    Good luck everyone. We are fortunate to be one of the last places affected and we can draw down on the experiences of other places that are already affected to help guide us through this exceptional time. On the mainland so much is being done already to close down until the third of April most public meeting places. There is talk of schools being closed too. A very rational and proper approach unlike our cousins across the pond who are led by a very unstable man.

    1. Yes it’s not looking good, and many already cancelling trip here to Madeira, as they don’t want to travel. Its going to be a very difficult time for all.

  4. We all need to look at not just physical well being but also our mental well being and do what asked but also what we feel comfortable with being able to manage mentally with, when people so close to the problem seem to be prepared to leave their confirmed contaminated son behind, climb into ” a metal tube” potentially infect others at the airports and hotel without one single thought or concern for others because ” they want/have paid for a holiday then little wonder that others will not take chances and expose themselves. We are our own worst enemy I’m afraid.

    1. I cannot figure out the panic buying of toilet paper. I think it started in Australia and rippled around the world. How many loo rolls do you need even if self-quaranteening for 14 days?

  6. I’ve heard that people are also buying huge stocks of tinned goods such as beans. In that case you would need extra toilet rolls ?

  7. We live in Scotland and have absolutely no issues with panic buying, however, just visiting my son in London and can’t believe the empty shelves of toilet roll and pasta! Really silly everything else is fine. Afraid if the virus hits Madeira it will be a huge issue given the age profile of visitors and the vulnerability of this group.

  8. I have to agree Jo , although we have many more younger visitors now, the majority are older and more vulnerable. It’s not really so much about coming to Madeira , it’s going to the airport first before flying here. Many may cancel even if we remain virus free .

    1. Yes this is correct many are cancelling as they do not want to travel. Being older and maybe health problems with breathing, it’s not worth the risk.

  9. I am struggling with the decision to go with my wife this Sunday the 15th of March. We would be flying in from Boston. We live on Cape Cod where, at this point, there have been no reported cases. To be honest, if we could get a refund, or at least a postponement, I would probably not go. My wife still wants to. If I were a local living on the Island I might be leary of anyone from overseas with confirmed cases. That also adds to my hesitation. What to do?

    1. I would still come, to date we have no cases, and Portugal very few also. I fly to Switzerland next week, my first holiday for 20 years, just take all the precautions you can and avoid contact with people.

          1. I was in Switzerland in January. It’s amazing, and my employer has its HQ based there. I’ve reluctantly decided to cancel my trip to your lovely island this year as have asthma which puts me in the high risk category, I care for elderly parents and the risk of travelling by plane and the airports is just too much to contemplate. It’s difficult to take precautions up 35,000 feet with someone less than a foot in front of you. Take care whatever you decide to do. I am seeing more closures on your island and it won’t be long before more drastic restrictions take place.

    2. I’ve had the same struggle but eventually decided to cancel my accommodation. My flight is supposed to be tomorrow (from UK) and I’ll lose money for the tickets as I can’t get any refund in this case. Not sure if this was a wise decision or me being too cautious but can’t really afford being stuck somewhere for 2 weeks – of course not sure if this might even happen but the situation is changing every day and I’m not sure what too expect. Just decided to minimalise the risk which of course made me very very sad…

  10. We have a holiday to Madeira planned in mid May and hoping the operator doesn’t cancel – we are so looking forward to our second visit to Madeira…..
    I check the internet almost every day just hoping nothing happens in England to cause a problem….. Fingers crossed

  11. I am reading this with great interest. We are due to arrive on your lovely island from London Gatwick on 23rd March for our third visit. A six day stay at a hotel just west of Funchal all arranged through British Airways. If we cancel we will lose all our money. The only thing that will stop us coming will be if the Government carries through with their statement on the BBC news on Monday that within the next 10-14 days they will announce whether people who have cold like symptoms even if they have not travelled abroad should self isolate for one week. Of course, if this happens we will stay home. We are 67 and 77 with no underlying health issues, we take no medication whatsoever so aren’t panicking about the virus but we are being sensible. I will be cleaning our tray table, arm rests and seats when we get on the plane as I understand that they can be a hot spot. As for other irresponsible people I cannot answer but we can do nothing about that.

  13. Hi
    Given the virus issues it would be useful for daily update from Madeira. Are there still no confirmed cases?
    Regards R

  14. Madiera might be safe, I am cancelling my trip because there are folks here at home that will need help. Not a good idea to indulge when so many are suffering. Maybe I’m just old.

  17. Thanks for your update!! Booked to come to Madeira (flying: Vancouver, Toronto, Azores, Madeira on March 31st. Have cancellation insurance but does not cover cancelling if not sick but Azores is offering cancellation by March 16 and I believe you have to rebook by May 31st (and can only cancel the once).

    WHO is urging people not to cruise – hope the ships cancel cruises to Madeira.

    I read that the air on planes is clean due to hepa filters but then someone else said the air used to be cleaner when people smoked but now the airlines don’t bother so much. Anyone know about the air on the planes?

    People in Vancouver are also stripping t-paper shelves bare and no masks available. Crazy – now difficult for doctors to get masks when needed.

  18. I received a message from British Airways today to say they are stepping up the cleaning of their aircraft by disinfecting all hard surfaces and toilets after each flight which is reassuring ahead of our flight. They also mention that their HEPA filters are the same grade as those used in operating theatres. I am still awaiting UK government advice about self-isolation if you get any symptoms. As for essential supplies ie., toilet paper I live 30 miles north of London and goods seem to be trickling back on to the shelves, at least in my area, the exception being hand gel which is impossible to find apart from EBay or Amazon and I kind of doubt the authenticity of that stuff. I do wonder though what the people of Madeira are thinking about incoming holidaymakers?

  19. I’m due to visit on 28th March , booked hotel & flight via BA ,unless BA or govt. ban travel then we will expect to land on 28th. It is difficult because whilst everyone needs to ensure good hygiene is maintained to avoid any disease, life goes on .Certain industries and employees will/are hit hard and will be supported or can weather the storm , however smaller independent business will suffer and possibly fail. A balance between panic and indifference is required to ensure we don’t put pressure on folk and businesses unnecessarily . I can bring my own toilet roll if required!

  20. Hi Badger, might see you there then! I’ve just been reading a BA forum. So many seasoned travellers have been wiping their seats, tray tables, armrests and seat belt buckles for a very long time. It makes sense. I will have a packet of dettol wipes when I get on board. I got a bit miffed with some people here saying perhaps we should stay at home where we will be needed especially the one that talks about getting in a metal tube with no thought for others! I could contract the virus in the UK the day after I cancel this holiday and infect lots of people so I don’t hold with that view. He may be rich enough to be able lose £1667 but I am not. Someone may give it to me out there, who knows. The possibilities are endless.

  21. I have book a trip to Madeira the 10/4 and I am so nervous for the Corona do you have any corona patients

  22. I’m booked to return to Madeira from Scotland in mid May. Still looking forward to it, but obviously we will have to wait to see how things develop.

  23. I have flights booked for 18th March but frightened to book accommodation in case they quarantine us when we get there or flight gets cancelled. I live in Wales.

    1. to the person that left the last comment get a life think madeira can manage with out you I hopefully will be going back and not return to the uk

  25. Our flights were cancelled from U.K. Maderia wanted us to self isolate on arrival so pointless going, when I can stay in the comfort of my home. We visit twice a year, wonder what Funchal looks and feels like without the tourist who sometimes is treated very poorly. Perhaps now they will realise how much we bring to the country.

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