Spain: Government confirms 769 deaths in 24 hours March 27 /update 8

Event

Spain announced on Friday, March 27, that the death toll from the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease increased by 769 over a 24-hour period, bringing the total fatalities to 4858. This represents the highest death toll recorded in a single day since the beginning of the pandemic in the country. Spain has the second highest death toll from the virus worldwide after Italy. As of March 27, health officials have confirmed 64,059 COVID-19 cases nationwide, with 9357 recoveries. According to media reports, some hospitals do not have enough capacity to treat all patients and are experiencing supply shortages. Non-essential surgeries and other operations are being postponed in some hospitals to provide additional space.

Spain's Congress approved extending the current state of emergency to Sunday, April 12, during an early morning (local time) vote on Thursday, March 26. The Council of Ministers requested the extension due to the continued increase in the number of cases. Under the state of emergency, the government is granted exceptional powers to limit the free movement of people and vehicles, ration goods and services, among other powers. Residents are to restrict all movement with the exception of those going to work, hospitals or health centers, financial institutions, and those shopping for groceries, pharmaceuticals, and basic necessities. Schools, bars, restaurants, and most shops are closed. All social gatherings are banned and additional police officers have been deployed to enforce the orders. 

Further international spread of the virus is expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone non-essential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.  
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.