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13 Jul 2020 | 10:48 AM UTC

Spain: Court bars tightening of lockdown measures in Segrià municipality July 13 /update 36

Court bars the tightening of lockdowns measures in Segrià municipality on July 13; heed official instructions

Warning

Event

The High Court of Justice of Catalonia has barred a decision by the Catalan government to tighten lockdown measures currently in place in parts of Segrià municipality, including the city of Lleida, on Monday, July 13. Authorities had issued an order on Sunday, July 12, which prohibited residents from leaving their homes unless undertaking essential activities; however, the Court ruled that the government had overstepped its authority. Lockdown measures were introduced on July 4 following an increase in local detected cases. Restrictions included a ban on gatherings of over ten people and the banning of travel in and out of the area. The Court clarified that the ban on movement in and out of the area would remain in place.

As of July 13, there have been 253,908 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country, with 28,403 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.