Spain on alert to tackle local flare-ups
With national Covid-19 figures under control, the main concern are local flare-ups that have forced a return to phase two rules in some areas
SPAIN'S daily Covid-19 infection and fatality figures are under control as the entire nation has completed the transition to 'new normality' following the lockdown exit plan.
However, the government's main concern now – as in other EU countries – is local flare-ups that have been located in practically every region in Spain.
The worst so far is in four neighbouring areas in Huesca and Zaragoza provinces, which have been forced to ‘step back’ to phase two of the exit plan (imposing tighter restrictions on catering establishments and the number allowed in social gatherings).
The Aragón regional government stated yesterday (Thursday) that it was under control thanks to the quick work carried out by public health ‘tracers’ who have managed to locate all those infected and their close contacts.
Health minister Salvador Illa warned: "The virus is still there and can hit us."
For this reason, the health ministry is preparing a protocol which help regional governments crack down on flare-ups as under current legislation they do not have the authority to limit mobility (restrictions ended when the state of emergency expired on Sunday).
Measures to tackle flare-ups and any second wave would be approved in the coming weeks.
Special call for youngsters
The authorities have again called on younger people to adhere to the new normality regulations and avoid the scenes of mass street drinking parties (botellón) and overcrowded clubs that have so far resulted in several of the flareups.
A true test came on the night of San Juan on Tuesday, traditionally celebrated with huge beach parties and bonfires throughout the country.
Although the public in general followed the rules (including the closure of beaches in some areas), some problems were reported on a beach in Cádiz where hundreds of partying youngsters had to be removed and at several clubs in other towns.
In Menorca, the town authorities authorised a 'small gathering' for the festivity outside a local church, which resulted in a huge one.
Concerns over Madrid airport virus measures
Several parties, including the Madrid regional government, have raised concerns over the Covid-19 safety measures applied at Madrid's main Barajas airport.
Some passengers interviewed by TV crews said they did not undergo any checks at all, while others confirmed they had been scanned for temperatures and had to fill in the form giving details of their holiday address so they can be tracked if necessary.
The government insists the same measures are being taken at all Spanish airports for international flights and are in line with the regulation applied at other airports in the EU.
Madrid regional government claims that in the past month 32 passengers arriving at Barajas were found to have had Covid-19 – and five had required hospitalisation.
The health ministry has insisted that testing every passenger (a request made by Madrid region) is 'unviable' due to the amount of air traffic once airlines begin their usual operations.
The ministry has employed 100 extra health officers for duty at airports and ports, and has vowed to take on more next week.