Mountains Did Not Move

Sara Muñoz and Olga Pavlovsky

A small landlocked country of 78,000 people with one hospital. Sara and Olga decided to document Andorra's path during the Coronavirus outbreak and into the future.

Episodes

  1. 04/11/2020

    How it all began

    In this episode we look back at the first coronavirus cases that tested positive in Andorra. We also remember how we personally perceived the news report of the virus from the beginning of 2020. The key dates and events covered in the episode - ANDORRA March the 2nd, the first case confirmed positive. Wednesday March 11th the Government decreed some initial measures (Creation of a Technical Committee to follow the epidemic, cancellation of school trips out of Andorra, Suspension of events with more than 1000 people). Friday March 13th the Government decreed further measures (limit to hospital and residencies visits, recommendation to people over 70 to isolate themselves, closing of education centers, suspension of extracurricular activities, closure of playrooms, cancellation of public events and activities organized by the public sector (the day after was the Constitution day), special distancing measures in public transport. Recommendation to suspend cultural and sport activities organized by the private sector. That day the ski slopes and most of the sport centers of the country closed. Saturday March 14th, Constitution day, the Government decreed the closure of a certain number of activities (sport centers, bars, restaurants, ski slopes, and all retail shops except those that supply first need goods). Suspension of Court activity (except for emergencies), special distancing measures in shops that were open. On Wednesday March 17th, the activities open are more reduced. Until now. WHAT WE HAVE SEEN INTERNATIONALLY 10th March Italia “Tutti a casa”. Just three days later in Andorra most of the activities were suspended following the government recommendations. March 14th Spain declares State of Alarm (people can still go to work). The same day Andorran Government decreed the closure of most of the economical activity of the country. March 15th, Andorra approves a decree limiting the commerce of alcohol and tobacco. Only Andorrans and residents can buy and with certain restrictions. Measure to reduce the interest of neighbor citizens to come to Andorra. March 16th Spain establishes several movement restrictions. Andorra/Spain border remains open but transit is limited to supplies, residents, cross border workers, cross border patients. March 17th France establishes general movement restrictions. Andorra/France border remains open. Andorran Government decreed the closure of all non-essential activities. March 20th UE limits certain products (considered essential) exportation to non-EU countries. It recognizes Andorra (together with San Marino and Vatican City as countries that depend on the EU supply chains), so there is an exception for us.

  2. 04/11/2020

    In fair Andorra, where we lay our scene

    In our first episode we introduce you to the principality of Andorra. The oldest state in Europe when it comes to borders. One of the youngest when it comes to having a constitution. Here are the key stats we mention in the episode: GENERAL  468 km²  - the entire area of Andorra  78.000 inhabitants  In Europe but not a member of the EU. Located the middle of the Pyrenees mountains (between Spain and France).  Access: only by road (through Spain or France) and medicalised helicopter.  Parliamentary co-principality (our laws need to be ratified by the Bishop of la Seu d'Urgell and the President of France). MEDICAL PERSPECTIVE  1 hospital: 168 beds total - Normal beds: 135 - ICU beds: 16 (at the beginning of the outbreak) - Special beds (isolation or security): 7 - Reserve beds (6 normal, 2 ICU, 2 isolation): 10  Mechanical ventilation capacity at the beginning of the outbreak: 16. It was very quickly increased to 20, later to 27 and we are now there are 31. Since March 13 Andorra went from 1 mechanical ventilator for every 4,875 inhabitants to 1 for every 2,516 inhabitants. CONTROL MEASURES SINCE THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK  The Andorran constitution foresaw the possibility of limiting citizens rights but there had never been a need to develop a Law of the States of Alarm and Emergency. The Law was approved by the parliament during this crisis and is now in force. Notwithstanding the aforementioned, Andorran Government has not declared the State of Alarm so far, as its citizens are trusted to be able to behave according to the measures and recommendations taken.  Andorra doesn’t have an army but counts on the defence from Spain and France. In case of emergency and lack of professional police capacity, Andorran men over 18 years can be called on for help. ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVE  Tourism and retail represent a big part of our economy. STRATEGY SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE OUTBREAK  Early lockdown to avoid health system overload.  Testing: the Andorran government strategy will be based on testing the whole Andorran population for antibody detection twice. 158,400 antibody detection test have been bought for this purpose and are on their way here as we record the episode.

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A small landlocked country of 78,000 people with one hospital. Sara and Olga decided to document Andorra's path during the Coronavirus outbreak and into the future.