Tougher lockdown imposed in Western Catalonia as infections surge

Catalan authorities have ordered home confinement for people living in Lleida and its surroundings, thus taking lockdown measures a step further as coronavirus cases continue to surge across the country.

A week after reimposing a partial lockdown in the Segrià county, in Western Catalonia, the Catalan government is now demanding that people stay in their place of residence unless necessary.

The measure, announced on Sunday and which will come into effect at midnight, affects the towns of Lleida, Alcarràs, Aitona, La Granja d'Escarp, Massalcoreig, Seròs, Soses, and Torres de Segre.

Residents will only be allowed to leave home to go to work, go to the doctor, and go out or practice sports with people they live with.

Bars and restaurants will close their doors again, but summer camps for children will go on.