Spain: Face masks to be compulsory in public areas of the Balearic Islands from July 13 /update 35

Event

Spanish authorities announced on Thursday, July 9, that the wearing of face masks will be made compulsory in public spaces in the Balearic Islands from Monday, July 13, amid a rise in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases. The president of the Balearic Islands, Francina Armengol, announced that the decision was made in an effort to further curb the spread of COVID-19.

The introduction of the mandatory wearing of face masks in public spaces follows Catalonia, which also introduced the same measure on July 9. 

Additionally, Galician authorities reimposed a lockdown in La Mariña, located in Lugo province (Galicia region) due to a rise in COVID-19 cases in the area on Sunday, July 5. The lockdown is initially set to remain in place until Friday, July 10. La Mariña residents will be confined to the region and will only be able to leave La Mariña for work reasons. However, residents will not be required to go on a full quarantine within their confined area and bars and restaurants will remain open during the lockdown, but limited to a 50 percent capacity. Wearing a face mask in public is also obligatory. The decision comes as 117 of the 258 COVID-19 cases in Galicia have been confirmed in the Lugo province.

As of July 9, health authorities have confirmed 253,056 cases of COVID-19 in Spain, with 28,401 associated deaths. 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.