The meeting of this coordinating body of the State and the autonomous communities through which the Camino de Santiago runs, has been virtually chaired by the general director of Cultural Industries, Intellectual Property and Cooperation of the Ministry of Culture and Sports, Adriana Moscoso del Prado, Representatives designated by the Autonomous Communities of the Jacobean Council, of the Ministries with powers in Foreign Affairs, Finance, Transportation, Education, Tourism, Demographic Challenge and Culture have participated in it.
At the meeting, the work of the specific Committee, created on May 4, for the preparation of a report on the situation of the Camino de Santiago in the face of the health crisis caused by COVID-19, was presented and it was agreed to expand its functions and validity to maintain communication among all its members in relation to the preventive measures being adopted on the Camino. In this way, the evolution of the number of pilgrims on the different Caminos de Santiago can be known and, in case of regrowth on the Camino, coordinate for communication with the competent health authorities.
The Committee is made up of representatives designated by the Autonomous Communities of the Jacobean Council, of the Ministries with powers in Culture, Interior, Tourism, Transport and Health, of the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces, and of the main Jacobean associations: Spanish Federation of Associations of Friends of the Camino de Santiago, Association of Municipalities of the Camino de Santiago, Association of Associations of Friends of the Camino de Santiago del Norte and International Fraternity of the Camino de Santiago.
New infographic to make a safe way before the COVID-29
The Jacobean Council Committee has stressed the importance of offering the pilgrim information about the new situation of the Camino de Santiago during the health crisis. For this reason, promoted by the Jacobean Council, an infographic has been created in which pilgrims will have information on the necessary measures to prevent risks from COVID-19. Some of the tips are to bring a hygienic kit with a mask, a canteen, cutlery, a sleeping bag and take into account the capacity of the hostels by consulting the National Geographic Institute (IGN) app.
Once on the Camino, it is recommended to disinfect the furniture in the rest area before using it, ask the staff to seal the credential to avoid touching the seal, before and after handling the sources, wash your hands with hydrogel and always drink in a container , keep the safety distance, do not touch physical elements in viewpoints and deposit the backpacks outside the closed rooms if they have space to do so. For cures, it is recommended to go to a health center with greater protection measures since in shelters they will not be carried out.
Using the Alertcops app
Another of the Committee's recommendations is the use of Alertcops app of the Ministry of the Interior, which has a functionality, especially designed for pilgrims, that allows you to share your last 10 positions with the Civil Guard to be geolocated in case of emergency. In addition, it sends informative messages and advice aimed at increasing the safety of pilgrims during their time on the Camino de Santiago.
Opening, new capacity of hostels and other accommodation
Starting in July, through the Camino de Santiago app of the National Geographic Institute, under the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agency, will be available information on opening dates and new capacity of 2,200 hostels and other accommodation for pilgrims on the main routes of the Camino de Santiago through Spain.
Jacobean Council website
All this useful information for the pilgrim is available at Jacobean Council official website.
Reference numbers are also provided in case of presenting symptoms of coronavirus and web pages of the Autonomous Communities that are part of the Jacobean Council.
