The prime minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez has declared a state of emergency and imposed a nationwide curfew yesterday, as Italy cases soar over 1 million cases and Bulgaria’s leader tested positive for coronavirus.
Under state of emergency, which was due to come into force last night, citizens are instructed to remain inside their homes between the hours of 11pm and 6am unless they have a valid reason to leave, such as work or other essential activities.
Spain having recorded 110,000 new cases last week, exceeding one million cases, Mr Sanchez said the situation was “extreme”, and urged citizens to “stay at home wherever possible”.
The state of emergency also includes a “rule-of-six” limit on social gatherings, and allows regional governments to seal their borders against non-essential entry or exit, as well as placing districts or cities under perimeter lockdowns.
The new rules will be effective from today until November 24. However, Mr Sanchez said he wants parliament to approve the state of emergency for six months, which will extend to May 9.
“We need to do as much as possible to protect our health and our economy and avoid a second general lockdown,” Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said yesterday.
Meanwhile, Bulgaria, Prime Minister Boiko Borisov (61) became the latest high-profile politician to test positive for the virus.
