Spain: Catalan authorities tighten lockdown measures in Segrià municipality despite court ruling July 14 /update 37

Event

The Catalan government announced on Tuesday, July 14, that residents in Segrià municipality, including the city of Lleida, will be required to remain confined in their homes in order to stem the increase in locally detected cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) despite a ruling by the High Court of Justice of Catalonia. Authorities had issued an order on Sunday, July 12, which prohibited residents from leaving their homes unless undertaking essential activities such as work, buying food, or exercise; however, the Court ruled it unlawful. The order, which will come into force on Wednesday, July 15, will last for 15 days. Hotels will also close, and bars and restaurants can only provide collection or takeaway services. Reports suggest that the new order will need to be approved by another judge. Lockdown measures were introduced on July 4 following an increase in local detected cases. Restrictions include a ban on gatherings of over ten people and the banning of travel in and out of the area.

As of July 14, there have been 255,953 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country, with 28,406 associated fatalities. Further international 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.