Boom in bookings to go to the dentist (in the Canary Islands): it's the hunt for essential (pretend) travel scofflaws
The world has been grappling with Covid-19 for a year now. All countries, albeit with [...]
The world has been grappling with Covid-19 for a year now. All countries, albeit with different timelines, have faced multiple lockdowns, with devastating effects on the economy and, clearly, on the psychology of citizens.
In this article:
The flight stoppage has disrupted the lives of many, not only those who used to travel for work and found themselves handling most of their commitments via cam. An entire generation has grown up with the knowledge that they can buy a low-cost, lastminute ticket and then find themselves in another country in no time. A total freedom, the result of the globalization process that began decades ago, is now being eliminated almost entirely.
All this has prompted many to investigate possible alternate routes to succeed in regaining some of their old life. More and more people, in fact, are getting on the road thanks to the dentist appointments.
The dentist among travel essentials
Ireland is trying to protect itself from a new wave of Covid-19. One of the schemes being adopted is to ban foreign travel deemed non-essential. An obstacle that has quickly prompted citizens to explore ways to make their vacations regulation-proof. Just as with self-certifications in Italy, it is also possible in Ireland to ignore current regulations because of health reasons. Here, then, is where a dentist's appointment can offer just the right chance to "get away" and get back to enjoying some "me time."
Thousands have recently been booking trips on that grounds. The case broke out in Ireland, but this is most likely not the only country where attempts are being made, successfully or otherwise, to circumvent Covid-19 regulations. Which dentists are the most in vogue at the moment? Here's what comes naturally to ask. Without even thinking about it too much, it is easy to assume, with good reason, that it is those with Dream beach studies in the Canary Islands.
The importance of dental care
Almost every dentist in the Canary Islands has experienced a very impressive increase in bookings. Looking at Ireland specifically, up to 15 new bookings are being recorded per day. Needless to say, most patients decide not to come to the office.
Ireland's National Immigration Bureau points out that most travelers to Tenerife cite medical reasons, showing e-mail confirmation of the reservation made. In addition, the law allows for the presence of an accompanying person or companion, who can support the person who will be subject to medical treatment.
Journey to the denier: the consequences
The Irish Police have strongly emphasized that the risk taken is to receive a fine or end up in jail (for a short time). At the same time, however, security officers at the airport find themselves helpless in the face of these increasingly frequent occurrences.
Even in the event that one should somehow succeed in proving how the reservation made is actually an attempt at fraud, the expected fine would be 500 euros. Considering that most likely one is not traveling alone but with a companion or chaperone, it is easy to think how this amount, divided, was added to the travel budget as an exceptional expense.
On the front of dental professionals located in havens such as the Canary Islands, something seems to be changing. Dentists are ready to ask for part of the payments in advance for treatments so as to avoid the many cancellations. It certainly seems that at least one dental cleaning is a must from now on. The real risk, in fact, is that the Irish police may obtain a list of cancellations made, identifying passengers on whom they will carry out stringent checks.
