Emergency measures brought in to combat coronavirus
State of emergency (estado de alarma) declared by national government
THE MEASURES that will apply during the state of emergency in Spain have been set out in royal decree 463/2020, which was published in the official state bulletin (BOE) at the weekend.
These will initially be in place for 15 days – and can then be extended by Parliament.
According to the decree people in Spain can only leave their homes for these reasons – to buy food, medicines and items of basic necessity; to go to health centres and hospitals; to go to work; to return to their place of primary residence; to care for elderly and vulnerable people, children and dependents; to visit the bank; to fill up at petrol stations; and in case of emergency.
They have to travel alone, unless they have mobility problems or are vulnerable people. PM Pedro Sánchez stated that people would be able to take their dogs for short walks (more on p13).
All shops, outlets, bars and restaurants have had to close to the public – and only supermarkets, chemists, petrol stations, newspaper shops, vets, opticians, telecommunications providers and the Post Office (Correos) remain open.
The decree notes that shop managers have to ensure that employees and customers maintain a distance of at least one metre to prevent infections.
Residents have been advised to use bank cards to pay for items in shops rather than handling cash.
The emergency services will ensure that the measures are observed – and people breaking the regulations can be fined and even sent to jail.
The decree guarantees the supply of basic products for supermarkets and pharmacies – and the state can bring in the army to ensure this. It has allowed the national government to assume sweeping powers over Spain’s regions to run health, transport and other areas.
The ministry for health has leave to take over businesses and buildings which are needed to face up to the health crisis (more on p5).