Spain: Authorities extend state of emergency until May 24 /update 20

Event

On Wednesday, May 6, Spanish authorities announced an extension to the current state of emergency until Sunday, May 24, due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

As of Thursday, May 7, the wearing of facemasks remains compulsory on public transport. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated that millions of masks will be distributed to local authorities and at public transport hubs. Sanchez also announced that EUR 16 billion (USD 17.6 billion) would be approved by his government to help regional authorities address the economic impact of the pandemic.

Under the current lockdown restrictions, schools, bars, restaurants, and most shops remain closed. All social gatherings continue to be prohibited, and police officers have been deployed to enforce the orders. Residents are being ordered to restrict all movement, except when traveling to hospitals or health centers, financial institutions, and shopping for groceries, pharmaceuticals, and other primary necessities. However, from Saturday, May 2, people have been allowed to leave their homes to exercise alone, and those living in the same residence are permitted to go for short walks together. Further easing of restrictions will occur throughout May and June, as long as death rates from the virus continue to fall.

As of Wednesday, May 6, there have been 220,325 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Spain, with 25,857 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.