Spain reimposes lockdown in counties bordering Catalonia following Covid-19 outbreaks

Only a day after the coronavirus-induced state of alarm was lifted, the Spanish government announced on Monday that three counties in the Huesca region would see lockdown restrictions reimposed after a surge in infections.

According to the Spanish ministry of health, the number of new Covid-19 cases has increased from 10 to 20 times in the Aragonese counties of Bajo Cinca and la Litera, bordering western Catalonia, as well as Cinca Medio.

Spanish authorities have decided to move the three counties back to Phase 2 of the four-step lockdown de-escalation plan, which concluded on Sunday with the end of the state of alarm.

Phase 2 entails restrictions such as one third-capacity limits for restaurants, cinemas, theaters, and other public spaces. The limit of attendees for cultural events is 400 people for outdoor events, and 50 if held indoors.

However, freedom of movement restrictions such as the closing of borders won’t be reintroduced, as the Spanish government believes that such restrictions would pose too many difficulties when operating infrastructures with normality.