Spain Steps Up Response to COVID-19

Spanish authorities are taking more action to prevent the spread of Covid-19

According to the latest figures on the impact of coronavirus, Spain and France are the worst affected European countries after Italy. Spain has suffered 1,689 confirmed cases so far.

While the FCO has not changed its overall travel advice to Spain, it told visitors to the country: “You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the authorities.”

Regional authorities in the most affected areas of Spain, including Madrid and Basque Country province of Alava, have taken measures such as closure of schools, universities and nurseries for 15 days from Wednesday (11 March).

Valencia has also decided to cancel its famous Fallas festival, while all La Liga football games will be played behind closed doors for at least two weeks.

Other measures have included suspending parliamentary meetings and banning large gatherings in Madrid and other parts of the country.

Madrid so far has the highest number of reported coronavirus cases with 782 people infected, while there are also 72 cases in Barcelona, 59 in Malaga and 43 in the Valencia region.

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