30th Jun 2020 @ 9:24 am

Cabildo president María Dolores Corujo has expressed her gratitude to the 35,000 islanders who took advantage of the free entry to the island’s centres of art, culture and tourism (CACT) that finished on Sunday.

“We’re extremely grateful and satisfied with the marvellous response that this initiative has had,” said Corujo, who also thanked the staff at the centres “for the wonderful work done during the lockdown, which has allowed us to recover the essence of works that are the pride of Lanzarote islanders, who have been able to enjoy an unforgettable personal experience.”

The Cabildo’s ruling group has been criticised by opposition parties for not placing staff at the centres on an ERTE (furlough) scheme during the lockdown, and the open days were almost certainly a way to justify that decision, as well as to promote the island’s attractions among islanders – many of who have not visited the centres for many years.

The centres opened as usual yesterday, and entry is still extremely cheap for residents. Find out more at www.cactlanzarote.com/en/.

New rules for flights

Airlines serving Lanzarote  have issued new health and safety rules that give an idea of how flying is likely to change following the coronavirus crisis.

The rules are designed to protect the health of passengers and staff by cutting down human interaction.

The familiar sight of long queues at Ryanair boarding gates will no longer be seen as the airline, which will be operating over 1,000 daily flights from tomorrow, will call priority passengers to board first before others are summoned.

Ryanair passengers will have to wear a face mask at all times and must remain seated with seat belt fastened during the flight. Passengers who want the toilet will have to ask a steward to unlock the bathroom. Snacks will be available, but cash will not be accepted.

Easyjet passengers will also have to wear face masks, and no food will be served on its flights. Meanwhile, Jet2, whose website advice suggests that it will not make mask-wearing compulsory for passengers, has yet to issue full safety guidelines.