Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Sunday that his government was seeking to extend the current state of emergency, which was declared on March 14, for another 15 days after the end of the initial period.

The extension is expected to win approval on Tuesday at a meeting of Sanchez's cabinet and further ratified by the Spanish parliament on Wednesday, local media reported.

Sanchez described his decision to seek extension of state of emergency, which will maintain restrictions on people's movement and keep Spain under virtual lockdown, as "one of the most drastic solutions adapted by all of the countries in the region."

He said he knew it was "uncomfortable for everyone to be confined at home and it is affecting the lives of everyone," but insisted that "experts agree it is an effective measure in the fight against the coronavirus."

Sanchez announced his decision after holding a video conference with the leaders of Spain's 17 autonomous regions.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Spain rose to 28,572 on Sunday, and 1,720 people have lost their lives to the disease, according to Spanish health authorities.

The health authorities also revealed that among the 28,572 people infected by the virus, 3,475 are health workers. A total of 2,575 people have recovered from the disease. 

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)