Spain: Authorities implement additional restrictions in Catalonia and Aragon regions from July 18 /update 38

Event

Spanish authorities announced on Friday, July 17, that additional measures have been implemented in Catalonia and Aragon regions following a rise in the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases. The measures are in effect from Saturday, July 18, and are scheduled to last for 15 days. Under the new measures, social gatherings in Catalonia are limited to ten people, bars and restaurants are only permitted to operate at 50-percent capacity for indoor areas, and nightclubs, cinemas, theatres, gyms, and children's indoor playgrounds will be closed. In Aragon, bars and restaurants are only permitted to operate at a 50-percent capacity for indoor areas, and retail stores, night clubs, cinemas, theatres, gyms, and facilities offering cultural activities will be permitted to operate at 75-percent capacity.

Face masks are compulsory in public areas throughout Spain.

As of Sunday, July 19, health authorities have confirmed a total of 260,255 COVID-19 cases with 28,420 associated deaths in the country. Further spread of the virus is expected in 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 (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 COVID-19 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 nonessential 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 general risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or 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.