A Toothill couple who have lived in Spain for six years have described what living under a strict lockdown looks like.

Terry Sargent and his wife Jayne, who retired to the country after both of their mums died, say people in the UK need to wake up and realise the situation is not going to go away.

They live in a small hamlet called Los Perez in Malaga province and now find themselves in the middle of the Spanish coronavirus lockdown.

Terry told the Adver: “There are much stricter controls in place, especially with freedom of movement.

“Only one person to a car, you must take evidence with you at all times to provide proof of your journey.

“If not, you will be heavily fined. The clear message here is “Stay at Home.” Do not go out unnecessarily, avoid contact at all costs.”

“The wife and I have sufficient provisions, plus one individual can drive to the local supermarket to keep provisions topped up, even then there are strict controls in place to ensure there is a 1metre distance between shoppers.”

The former IT worker added: “Most supermarkets and other outlets are now only accepting card payments, rather than accept cash due to fear of infection transmission.

“This situation is serious, and the more people that begin to realise this, it will help to make everyone realise this is not just some bad cold or flu bug.

“Social distancing must be seriously put into place.

“Here in Spain, it wasn’t advisory. It was an order.”

Terry added that anyone who is seen breaking the new rules is dealt with swiftly.

“Some groups are flouting the lockdown laws and they are being immediately dealt with by the Spanish security forces.

“This could become the situation in the UK. People in the UK need to wake up and realise this isn’t just going to go away.

“Everyone needs to work together and follow the official guidelines.”

“Just think of this. Madrid is in near total lockdown," he said.

“Prior to it being locked down, there was a mass exodus of families heading to the coastal regions to live in their holiday apartments.

“Just think of the number of people with a possible Covid-19 infection that made that journey.

“Having reached their destination, these families then went to the main shopping precincts and the beach!

“Each potential infected individual could infect others.

“Police patrols were stepped up and beaches and shopping malls are now off limits. The clear message is “Stay at home.”

He stressed: “This is real, this is serious. I’m not contacting anyone or seeing anyone for as many days as possible.”

There have been questions about whether or not the UK government should step up its response including an enforced lockdown of social spaces and travel bans.

But the government has so far only told places like pubs, clubs, theatres, restaurants, cinemas and leisure centres to shut down.

It has not ruled out enforcing stricter measures if the advice is ignored.

The government did close all schools on Friday but some will remain open to care for the children of key workers and children who are most vulnerable.