Spain has joined Italy as the second EU country to impose an unprecedented nationwide lockdown – in an attempt to slow down the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez (pictured above) announced the move at a news conference on Saturday, and confirmed that passenger air travel is now restricted.
According to reports, at least five Jet2 passenger airliners were forced to turn around in mid-flight and returned to the UK, following instructions from air traffic control on Saturday. Most inbound flights have already been canceled with other flights re-routed to the nearest feasible airport.
As of this week, Spain has over 6,200 confirmed cases of Covid-19, with some 193 deaths attributed to the virus.
PM Sanchez also placed new restrictions on public gatherings, and added that citizens are being instructed to stay home unless they are going to work, or they have to go out to acquire essentials like food and medicine.
‘Remote Governing’
The virus has also impacted the highest levels of the government, as Podemos party leader, Pablo Iglesias, had to break quarantine to attend the emergency cabinet meeting after his wife tested positive for Covid-19.As a precautionary measure, PM Sanchez has announced the government will hold meetings via video conference – after fellow minister Irene Montero tested positive for the virus.
Regional policy minister Carolina Darias also tested positive, along with Santiago Abascal, leader of righwing Vox party.
National quarantine measures will go into effect on Monday, and will last for a period of 15 days, as part of the country’s civic emergency plan.
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