Adeje mayor, José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga, has announced details of the creation of a Municipal Good Health Practices distinction in the prevention of the spread of Covid-19, the Accredited Healthy Destination stamp.
This distinction, created by the Adeje council, has the full backing of the University of La Laguna, represented at the press conference to launch the new distinction by rector Rosa Aguilar, of the Institute of Tropical Diseases, represented by president Basilio Valladares and the backing of the University Institute of Tropical Diseases, whose director Jacob Lorenzo was also present.
Prior to the main event the mayor, José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga, sent words and wishes of solidarity to the neighbouring island of La Palma. “Today we are all from La Palma”, he said to applause from the floor. He added that Adeje was working on a number of measures to help alleviate the suffering of those who had lost everything as a result of the volcanic eruptions.
At the launch, in the CDTCA, the Costa Adeje Centre for Tourism, a number of businesses, collectives and individuals who have already taken part in pilot tests of the scheme were presented with an official plaque which they can now display in their premises, guaranteeing that they are following safe healthy practices, meaning that both residents and tourists can be confident in using their services. These first certificates were awarded to Gran Hotel Bahía del Duque accommodation director Carlota Nieto Morales, the director of the hotel’s ‘chiringuito’ (beach bar) Antonio Díaz De Las Casas, the president of Grupo Número Uno, Siam Mall, Amid Achid, the commissioner of the Adeje local Tomás Estévez, and three Adeje taxi drivers (LM132, LM178, LM30).
The creation of the distinction has been thoroughly researched, with a series of conventions, rules and scientific protocols in place, in conjunction with the Director General of the Public Health department of the Canarian Government.
The Adeje mayor said, “the idea was born from two convictions and an alliance. The first conviction was that we need experts, our scientific institutions, and from that was born the idea of an accredative stamp, one that meant we would work together to promote a safe destination, serious and rigorous in our commitment to safety. That stamp would be guaranteed by the ULL and the Institute. With that in place touirsts could continue to travel to our destination”. He said the alliance was something learnt too during the pandemic. “We need initiatives that are from and for everyone, not just something that comes from the council. What is important is that we all make a commitment to respond together to address real and existing needs. I invite everyone to join us in this project and together we can spread the message, that we work together, we are strong together, we have won our position as a tourism leader and we are working to maintain it”.
For her part, the ULL rector said we couldn’t forget the important part science is playing, “without which we could not have had a vaccine in such a short time”, but knowledge too plays a vital role, she added, and underlined her and the university’s commitment to the alliance referred to by the mayor.
From a scientific perspective, Basilio Valladares, said that what we are learning today will also serve us well in the future, creating a series of customs and behavouir patterns which serve to increase the public’s safety, “practices that let people have confidence in the destination as a safe place to visit”.
Jacob Lorenzo said that we also needed to bring science closer to the public, to increase confidence in what the experts were doing. “This was a challenge and we are very happy to have been part of it, glad to be able to help the economic motor of this island (tourism) and apply our knowledge directly to the problem.”
The objectives behind the distinction include public recognition for those who are granted the award, of their use of good and healthy practices against the spread of viruses such as Covid-19. Residents and tourists will also be given proven information about the establishments and public spaces that may display the Accredited Healthy Destination badge, and this too will improve competitivity in the local tourism sector and services in the borough, generating added value and offering public health guarantees. And, of course, overall all the plan is to reduce transmission of the Covid and other viruses.
How to apply for the distinction
From today all businesses, collectives, associations, clubs etc, may apply to the Town Hall for the distinction. Applications can be made online. Candidates/businesses will have to meet a number of requirements supervised by the Institute of Tropical Diseases. Among the requirements will be to satisfy the relevant authorities that correct healthy measures, obligations and recommendations to prevent viral transmission are in place. Businesses must also confirm that personnel working in the premises or in service to the public, are trained in good preventative practices regarding the Covid virus and other contagious illnesses.
Those seeking the distinction will also have to fill in a questionnaire created by the Institute of Tropical Diseases regarding hygiene-sanitation measures in place, and a declaration of responsibility. Documents proving measures taken will also be required.
There are three levels – Gold, Silver, Basic. To obtain Gold or Silver the businesses will have to be evaluated by the Canarian Foundation for the Control of Tropical Diseases and the ULL department of Public Health.
Adeje council have created a webpage with full information on the distinction and how to apply;
www.adejedestinosaludable.com, and information on the distinction and its application will be available in English too.
