The fortress town of Zahara de la Sierra in southern Spain, one of the countries worst hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, has recorded zero cases after shutting out the world to defend itself.
On 14 March, the town’s mayor decided to lockdown the town, closing all but one of its five entrances. This strategy has been used throughout the town’s history to protect it from invaders, though in the past those were humans trying to attack not a virus.
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In an interview with CNN, mayor Santiago Galván explained that the swift actions were taken and supported by the town’s inhabitants most of whom are older than 65.
The single entrance to the town is now guarded by a police officer and is designated checkpoint for all entering. Two men in protective clothing spray the vehicles with a mixture of bleach and water to ensure they are not contaminated. They also are required to drive through a sheep dip to disinfect their tyres.
Citizens also help with disinfecting their town.
‘Every Monday and Thursday at 5:30 pm. a group of around 10 people are out in the streets to disinfect the town, all the streets, plazas and outside homes,’ Galván told CNN.
While the town may be on lockdown for now, it is usually a popular tourist destination for those wanting a day trip from Seville. Consider adding it to your post-coronavirus travel list. #LetsGetaway.
Image:@ViajaVuelaVive/Twitter
