Catalonia imposes more restrictions in last chance to avoid new lockdown

The Catalan government has announced a string of new lockdown measures to avoid the spread of coronavirus, warning citizens that “it’s our last chance” to avoid a “total lockdown.”

Confinement measures such as a 50% capacity limit for bars and restaurants, as well as the closure of cinemas, theaters, and other spaces open to the public, will be extended to the city of Barcelona and its metropolitan area, as well as the Segrià and Noguera counties. Appointments will also be needed to shop at stores providing non-essential goods but libraries and museums will remain open for now and children’s summer camps will still be running.

These will come into effect for 15 days as soon as they are published in the official gazette, although they are also pending judicial approval. In the past week, courts have greenlighted a number of regulations in Segrià county and L’Hospitalet de Llobregat while also rejecting others.

More drastic measures to come

In the Barcelona area, new restrictions will be applicable in El Prat de Llobregat, Sant Joan Despí, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Cornellà, Viladecans, Esplugues, L’Hospitalet, Montcada i Reixac, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Sant Adrià del Besòs, Badalona, and Barcelona itself.

Along with the new restrictions, the Catalan government also called on people living in the aforementioned areas to avoid leaving home unless necessary, warning that “if cases continue to rise more drastic measures will be enforced.”

Health minister Alba Vergés announced a ban on social gatherings of more than ten people, calling them “the main source of transmission”.