Government Considering Lockdown Extension. The Interior Minister confirmed that the Spanish government is considering extending the lockdown until the 26th April.
Government Considering Lockdown Extension
Rumours persist that the current lockdown is Spain is being extended, but the government has not yet made an official announcement. Yesterday the Interior Minister, Fernando Grande-Marlaska, did confirm that the government have been discussing an extension to the lockdown.
The Minister said that another 14 days could be added to the current period. This would keep Spain in lockdown conditions until the 26th April. The government is expected to make an announcement in the next few days, most likely after the cabinet meeting on the 7th April.
The Interior Minister confirmed that the government are considering extending the lockdown in Spain until the 26th April.
Positive Signs
There are hopes that the lockdown is beginning to show results. Spanish Health Minister Salvador Illa said yesterday that Spain has reached the peak of the contagion curve and is now entering a slowdown phase.
Spain has registered 117,710 confirmed cases of the coronavirus. 10,935 people have died from the virus in Spain, whilst 30,513 have recovered. In Andalucia there are 7374 cases of the coronavirus, 1725 of those are in the Malaga area.
Spain has extended it’s lockdown period until the 12th April, and all the country’s borders remain closed.
The PM has confirmed a minimum 15 day 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 12th April 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: 03.04.2020
Written by Dave James
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