Lockdown Extended Beyond Easter

Lockdown Extended Beyond Easter. Prime Minister Sanchez has announced his intention to extend the current lockdown in Spain by a further 15 days.

Lockdown Extended Beyond Easter

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has announced his intention to extend the lockdown situation for another 15 days, keeping the country confined during the Easter period. The decree has not yet been ratified (at 15.30 on the 22nd March), though it’s expected that the confirmation will arrive shortly. If the decree is passed into law, the lockdown will not end before the 12th April.

The coronavirus continues to spread quickly in Spain, with 3925 new cases recorded yesterday. There are now 28,572 cases in the country, which is the second worst affected in Europe after Italy. 2125 people have fully recovered from the virus, and 1753 people have died.

In Andalucia there are 1515 cases of the coronavirus, 484 of those are in the Malaga area.

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 28th March 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).

Coronavirus Confirmed In Andalucia

The CDC has advised against wearing facemasks.

Face masks Not Necessary

Despite the advice not to wear face masks, many pharmacies in the area are reporting that they have sold out. Chemist Juan Garcia in Malaga is urging people not to buy them until they are needed. “The face masks are not very effective at preventing you from catching a virus. Their main purpose is to prevent a carrier from spreading the illness. It’s better not to buy one unless you think you may be exposed. The best preventative measures would be to use hand gel frequently and maintain good personal hygiene”.

Published: 22.03.2020

Written by Dave James