A health worker wearing a protective mask stands at the emergency entrance of the Arnau de Vilanova hospital, after the government of Catalonia imposed new restrictions in an effort to control a new outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Lleida, Spain, July 4, 2020. REUTERS / Nacho Doce
MADRID (Reuters) – The north-eastern region of Catalonia in Spain imposed a new blockade on more than 200,000 people on Saturday, after several new outbreaks of the coronavirus were detected.
Residents in Segria, which includes the city of Lleida, will not be able to leave the area from 12 noon (1000 GMT) on Saturday, but they will not be limited to their homes as was the case with the strict original closure of Spain in March.
“We have decided to confine Segria due to data confirming too significant a growth in the number of COVID-19 infections,” Catalan regional president Quim Torra said at a press conference.
Data from the regional health ministry showed that there were 3,706 cases in the Lleida region on Friday, compared to 3,551 the previous day.
Movement to work will be allowed, but starting Tuesday workers entering or leaving the area must present a certificate from their employer.
Spain has registered 205,545 coronavirus cases and 28,385 deaths, making it one of the most affected countries in Europe.
After imposing a strict blockade on March 14, the government has been gradually easing restrictions on a multi-phase plan since early May.
Jessica Jones Report; Edition by Alexander Smith
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