Mask-wearing is encouraged in Barcelona as the region endures new restrictions
BARCELONA, July 20 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Spain’s north-eastern Catalonia region has again recorded a daily Covid-19 infection figure of more than 1,000, as residents endure new restrictions.
Health authorities are trying to halt this week’s surge, which has led to four million people around Barcelona being asked to stay home for 15 days.
Catalonia’s is the worst of 150 Spanish outbreaks and neighbouring France says closing borders should be discussed.
Spain has recorded 260,000 cases and there have been 28,400 deaths.
The latest 24-hour figures from the region’s department of health on Saturday record another 1,226 cases, 894 of them in the Barcelona metropolitan area, adding to a surge over the past week.
The surge led to tough new measures being announced on Friday.
Although they did not amount to a full lockdown, they have caused considerable concern in a region that was hoping to see an easing of restrictions.
The measures, for an initial period of 15 days for Barcelona, La Noguera and El Segrià, include: no meetings of more than 10 people in public or private, no visits to nursing homes, and only leave the house for essential activities.
Closure of nightclubs and gyms, restrictions on bars and restaurants, suspension of cultural activities and recreational sport are the other measures.
Spain only ended its tough national lockdown about four weeks ago and was hoping to kick-start the economy, particularly with tourism numbers.
The streets of Barcelona were reported emptier on Saturday, although some residents may have defied orders and headed off in cars for second homes. — NNN-AGENCIES
