Tuesday, July 15, 2025
spot_img

Spanish PM announces state of alarm to curb Covid-19

Date:

Share post:

spot_imgspot_img

MADRID: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Sunday announced a state of alarm in an attempt to restrict the spread of coronavirus, days after Spain became the first European Union state to pass the grim one-million-case mark.

A state of alarm grants the government special powers to limit the movement of citizens.

The state of alarm, effective from Sunday, has an original duration of 15 days. But the Prime Minister said his government aims to keep it in effect until May 9, 2021 — a move needs the support of a majority in Spain’s 350-seat Congress, Xinhua reported.

The state of alarm was approved in an emergency cabinet meeting on Sunday morning after 11 out of Spain’s 17 Autonomous Communities had requested it. It will limit movements from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. for all regions of Spain except the Canary Islands.

“This is a restriction of night-time movement and has nothing to do with a curfew. According to experts, restrictions on mobility and a reduction in social relations are vital to contain the virus,” said Sanchez in his televised speech, adding that social meetings will be limited to six in the entire country.

“All of Europe is taking measures to limit mobility,” said Sanchez, adding that the Autonomous Communities will also have discretion to stop people entering or leaving their territory — for example, if a neighboring region is badly affected by the coronavirus.

The Health Ministry has reported over 1 million cases since the start of the pandemic. Sanchez commented that the coronavirus incidence in Spain has risen to 362 cases per 100,000 inhabitants and that one aim of re-imposing the State of Alarm is to bring this level down to just 25 cases.

The new State of Alarm will not, however, impose a strict lockdown as the one introduced on March 14, and Spain’s borders will also remain open.

A State of Alarm is the first of three emergency levels a Spanish government can apply under exceptional circumstances, with the others being “A State of Exception” and “Martial Law.”

spot_imgspot_img

Related articles

ONE FOR ALL THE ‘SHIPAI’!

People observe a ‘rot’ (ceremonial structure) dedicated to Operation Sindoor and the valiant Indian Army, during the celebration of...

Behdienkhlam ends with fanfare, vibrant displays

From Our Correspondent JOWAI, July 14: The annual Behdienkhlam festival of the Sein Raij Jowai — a significantly vibrant...

FKJGP shuts down offices open during festival

By Our Reporter SHILLONG, July 14: The Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) on Monday forced the...

Int’l group looks to give state’s agri produce global platform

Discussions with the CM and Agri minister focused on expanding global market access for Meghalaya’s agricultural produce, increasing...