Spain to restore land border controls and restrict entry to nationals and residents

Spain decided on Monday to restore land border controls from midnight as a further measure aimed at halting the spread of coronavirus.

Interior minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said that only Spanish citizens, residents, or other nationals in a situation of force majeure would be allowed into the country.

The minister added that cross-border workers, people transporting goods, as well as those working for diplomatic or international bodies would also be allowed to cross.

The new measure is to come into force at midnight on Monday and will remain in force as long as the health covid-19 crisis continues, said the minister. 

Announcing the measure to the press on Monday afternoon, Grande-Marlaska did not rule out closing air and sea borders at a later date if necessary.

"Our purpose is to flatten the curve of people infected with the virus, that is our main objective," said the minister.