Flare-ups see coronavirus figures rise again

Extended face mask use now compulsory in all regions except Madrid - which is considering it - as daily cases are back to figures recorded in May

THE WIDESPREAD use of face masks in all public areas at all times (with certain exceptions) is now obligatory in all Spanish regions except Madrid.

The Madrid government yesterday (Thursday) said it would not impose the extended use of face mask despite pressure from several opposition groups. However, it has warned this could change if central government does not impose tighter restrictions on arrivals at Madrid's Adolfo Suárez airport at Barajas which the regional government claims is a gateway for infections.

Meanwhile, all other regions have ruled face mask obligatory due to the number of flare-ups throughout the country, which has now surpassed 200.

Partial local lockdowns are now in place in several locations, including the entire metropolitan area of Barcelona and Zaragoza. The highest contagion numbers are precisely in those two regions: Cataluña and Aragón.

Health experts have warned the virus is still very active and social and family gatherings as well as young people not taking into account social distancing at nightspots are the main reason for the increasing number of cases.

The number of new cases per day is creeping back to the 1,000 mark after they dropped to 500 at the end of May and just 250 in June on average.

The reproduction rate (R) is now beyond one (1.3) meaning the virus is spreading.

The number of cases requiring hospitalisation is also increasing, although nowhere near the avalanche reported in March and April.

So far, the number of deaths in recent weeks has not increased significantly and the daily figures are between one and three. A fact that accounts for the lower fatality level so far is that new cases are being reported in people of an average age of 45 (the average was of 60 when the pandemic reached its peak in Spain).

The authorities also point out that there are now more cases being reported as there are more tests being carried out - especially in areas where flare-ups have been detected.

The tightest restrictions at the moment are in Totana (Murcia) where the authorities have decreed phase one status and have forbidden anyone from entering or leaving the municipality.