Sanchez Confirms Lockdown Extension

Sanchez Confirms Lockdown Extension. The Prime Minister has announced that the government will ask congress to add another two weeks to the state of emergency period.

Sanchez Confirms Lockdown Extension

The current state of emergency in Spain is to be extended by another two weeks. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez today announced that his government are asking congress to extend the lockdown period until the 26th April. It is unlikely that congress will deny the request, and an official announcement is expected on the 7th April.

Lockdown Will Last Longer

The Prime Minister said that the lockdown will likely be extended beyond the 26th April. “Logically, the measures will last more than 15 days. Why don’t we ask for more? Because we would be setting a precedent. The Constitution in its article 116 speaks of extensions of 15 days and it is very important to be accountable to the Congress of Deputies”.

The Prime Minister also confirmed the need to maintain the lockdown during this crisis. “We cannot relax, because it would trigger a second wave when our resistances are weaker. When we have controlled the curve, we will go to a transition towards a new normality and towards a reconstruction of our economy. For weeks there has been a specific team of epidemiologists who have been preparing a plan to resume economic and social activity.”

The lockdown conditions may be relaxed at the end of April.

Transition Period After Lockdown

After this third extension to the lockdown period, the Prime Minister anticipates that the conditions will be relaxed. “More days of alarm will come after April 26, but not the same, it will be different.” He goes on to suggest that after Easter, Spain will return a more relaxed state of lockdown with some non-essential businesses being permitted to reopen, similar to the conditions when the lockdown began.

Almost 125,000 Coronavirus Cases In Spain

Spain has registered 124,736 confirmed cases of the coronavirus. 11,744 people have died from the virus in Spain, whilst 34,219 have recovered. In Andalucia there are 7869 cases of the coronavirus, 1800 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 26th 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: 04.04.2020

Written by Dave James