Catalonia closes its borders with the rest of Spain for 15 days. This means that travel to or from the area is no longer allowed just like that.
The authorities in the prosperous coastal region hope to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
In Catalonia, where the metropolis of Barcelona is located, strict measures had already been taken. For example, catering establishments had to close their doors earlier this month. This measure is now being extended by 15 days.
Other Spanish areas recently decided to close their borders in the run-up to All Saints Day.
According to Spanish media, these are Madrid, Asturias, Aragon, Castile and León, Castilla-La Mancha, Cantabria, Basque Country, Murcia, Navarra, La Rioja and Andalusia. The regions have the power to take such far-reaching measures because of the state of emergency.
The Spanish government wants to extend this so-called ‘state of alarm’ until May 2021.
“The government realizes that citizens are tired after months of efforts and sacrifices”, Health Minister Salvador Illa stressed in parliament. “But this is not the time to relax measures. There are tough weeks and months ahead.”
