135 more cases of coronavirus in a day bring total to 316, with 25 in serious condition

Catalan health authorities confirmed 135 new coronavirus cases Thursday afternoon, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 316, of which 25 are in serious condition.

Of these 316 confirmed cases, 49 are medical professionals, and in following with the safety protocols that call for the isolation of those who have been in close contact with infected patients, another 400 members of the medical community are currently in quarantine throughout Catalonia.

In all of Spain, there are now more than 3,000 confirmed cases, with a total of 84 deaths recorded. 

Since the outbreak in Catalonia first began on February 25, six people have died, three of whom were part of the cluster discovered on Wednesday in the city of Igualada. These last three were a 71-year-old woman, an 83-year-old woman and an 86-year-old man who had pre-existing health conditions.  

Three people who initially tested positive for covid-19 have already been discharged.

New measures to halt spread

In light of the increase in covid-19 cases in Catalonia and beyond, the government has instated new measures in an attempt halt its spread, including ordering the closure of all schools for at least two weeks starting on Friday in a measure that will affect some 1.8 million students and 100,000 teachers. 

The government, which already stated that it would be prohibiting gatherings of over 1,000 people, announced a €1 billion finance credit in order to assist companies that will take an economic hit and is encouraging companies to allow employees that can do so to work from home.

Other measures included in the 'emergency 1 phase' are guaranteeing basic supplies to all residents, permanent communication between authorities and residents, and extra resources to vulnerable sectors, while also "reducing mobility" among residents.