Spain confirms 988,322 COVID-19 cases in total

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, October 21, 2020
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MADRID, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish Health Ministry on Tuesday evening reported 13,873 new cases of the coronavirus, and 218 deaths in the previous 24 hours, taking the total number of infections to 988,322 and the death toll to 34,210.

Speaking to the press after the weekly cabinet meeting, Spanish Health Minister Salvador Illa was asked about Spain's possibility of imposing a curfew similar to those the French government has placed on Paris and other cities to limit the social interactions.

"Curfews have been applied in other places...and we are going to analyze it," he replied.

The minister explained a curfew could be imposed either nationally or regionally and any curfew would be coordinated with regional governments. But to realize that, the central government would have to impose a State of Alarm and that would require the support of Congress (the lower house of the parliament).

Some regions such as Catalonia and Castilla-Leon have indicated they would be in favor of a curfew and the Madrid regional government is also reported to be considering such a measure.

"A curfew is on the table but it must be legally protected by the State of Alarm...There is a second wave (of COVID-19), not only in Spain, but throughout Europe. What really matters to me is that we succeed in the measures to control the virus and lower the curve of infection. I don't care if a community changes its mind. I want to know who is willing to support it... everyone must clarify their position," commented the minister.

Illa also said the government would not look to extend the 15-day State of Alarm that came into effect on the Madrid region on October 9, but added that if a curfew was imposed it could "coincide" with the end of that situation. Enditem

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