Government Amends Proposal For Under 14s

Government Amends Proposal For Under 14s. Following strong criticism of yesterday’s proposal the government have altered the decree.

Government Amends Proposal For Under 14s

Yesterday’s announcement by the Finance Minister that under 14s would be allowed to join a parent on trips to the supermarket and pharmacies was met with heavy criticism. Parents called the idea ludicrous and said children should not be allowed into what could be a dangerous hotspot for the virus.

The government has now amended the proposal which will be presented to parliament. The revised decree would allow three children under 14 to travel up to 1km from home with one adult. If passed by parliament, this decree will extend the lockdown until the 9th May, and introduce these new rules for under 14s from the 27th April.

COVID-19 has killed more than 20,000 people in Spain.

More than 208,000 Coronavirus Cases In Spain

Spain has registered 208,389 confirmed cases of the coronavirus. 21,717 people have died from the virus in Spain, whilst 85,915 have recovered.

The number of new coronavirus infections in Spain has jumped back up to 3968. Spain registered 430 new deaths yesterday, a considerable decrease from the peak of 961 on the 3rd April.

In Andalucia there are 11,921 cases of the coronavirus, 2657 of those are in the Malaga area.

The PM has confirmed another extension to the lockdown period.

The Lockdown In Spain

The Prime Minister announced details of the lockdown which mean people are only permitted to leave their homes in the following circumstances:

Travel for food or medical supplies
Travel to your workplace (if your work one of the businesses permitted to open)
Visiting health centres of hospitals
Assisting the elderly and vulnerable
Visiting financial institutions and banks
Personal emergencies

Lockdown Period

The lockdown will remain in place until the 9th May at the earliest. Police are likely to stop and question anyone who they believe may not be abiding by the rules. The government also has the right to draft in army support if civil unrest becomes an issue.

Coronavirus Mortality Rate

The mortality rate for coronavirus currently stands at around 3.4% globally (source: WHO). In direct comparison, the flu has a mortality rate of around 1% (source: WHO).

Experts maintain that there is no need for panic, and whilst infection can be unpleasant it is very unlikely to be fatal for anyone in good health.

Frequent hand washing is advised to help protect yourself from catching coronavirus.

Protect Yourself From Coronavirus

There are some simple steps you can take to minimise your risk of catching the coronavirus. The CDC has issued these guidelines:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
It is not not recommended that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19 (coronavirus).

Published: 22.04.2020

Written by Dave James