COVID-19: Spain Declares National State of Emergency
The Spanish government has declared a national state of emergency in a bid to curb the increase of coronavirus (COVID-19) infections.
Spain currently has 1 110 372 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Out of that total, 34 752 have succumbed to the virus, while the amount of people who have recovered is unknown.
Like its European neighbours, however, the country – which was hit hard by the pandemic earlier this year – has seen a dramatic surge in “second wave” infections.
In a televised speech on Sunday, 25 October, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced a state of emergency with immediate effect.
Sanchez explained that there will be restrictions on movement between districts – which would be determined by regional leaders – and is dependent on work and medical needs.
Other preventative measures announced include a limit on public and private gatherings of different households to a maximum of six people.
A night-time curfew from 11PM to 6AM has also been imposed in all Spanish regions except the Canary Islands.
The state of emergency will last until the beginning of May 2021.
