The crown pandemic hit Spain particularly hard. The 46 million citizens can only leave their homes under strict conditions. Prime Minister Sánchez now wants to extend the blockade for two weeks.
By Marc Dugge, ARD Studio Madrid
The curfew in Spain began on March 15. Originally it would have expired next Sunday. Spaniards should now stay home for another two weeks. However, children should be given the opportunity to leave the home for a limited time. The government wants to announce the exact regulations in the coming week. For the extension, it still needs the approval of parliament.
Spain has one of the strictest curfews in the world. The 46 million inhabitants are only allowed to leave their homes to go to work, shop, buy medicine or go for a walk with the dog.
Hope for relief in mid-May
Prime Minister Sanchez said his government will cautiously ease the harsh measures starting May 11. However, according to Sánchez, the number of infections should decrease, be thoroughly tested, and there should be sufficient protective clothing available in schools and workplaces. Depending on the situation, some parts of the country may be affected by relaxation more quickly than others. It is also conceivable that the measures will be withdrawn if they have no effect. According to Sánchez, it is a “slow march towards a new normality”.
In Spain, the spread of the epidemic has recently slowed significantly. The situation in hospitals has also eased somewhat. However, more than 500 people died daily from the effects of the virus last week. After Italy, Spain is the country in Europe most affected by the corona virus. In total, Spain has registered more than 20,000 deaths from the virus.
