Spain removes quarantines for asymptomatic and light positive Covid cases

The Spanish health ministry has announced that people positive with Covid-19 will no longer have to self-isolate from next Monday, March 28, if they have light symptoms or none at all. 

This is the result of an agreement between Madrid and regional governments, which have jointly also decided to focus testing on vulnerable people, health professionals and serious cases. 

Authorities say they have made the decision because the population has a "high level of immunity." They say that the "acute" stage of the pandemic is already over. 

The measure will be implemented as long as the transmission rates are low. 

As of March 21, 2022, 6,489,974 residents have been given the first dose of the vaccine, 81.7% of the total population. Out of those, 5,879,114 have also had a second dose administered (74% of the total population). 6,355,087 residents are considered to be fully immunized (79.4%).

Under 65s who have already had the virus are only required to have the first dose, and others have received a single-dose jab. Therefore, the % of two doses administered and % fully immunized do not match.

Who has a right to a Covid-19 booster shot?

Boosters have also been approved for some population groups, and Catalonia has been giving them since September 17.

Booster shots are currently being given to people aged 18 to 29 whose second dose was 5 months ago or more, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, 70 and over, immunocompromised people, care home residents, and anyone who received the Janssen vaccine. On December 16, authorities also approved them for those who had AstraZeneca at least three months ago, regardless of their age.  

As of March 21, 2022, Catalonia has administered 3,286,428 third doses (41.6%). Official data show that 46.7% of residents have received a booster shot (which includes those who had a third jab plus people who only got one jab in the initial vaccination series and then received a booster, their second shot).