Covid: Madrid tightens local lockdowns

MADRID’S regional government has brought in new local lockdown measures in a bid to control a surge in Covid-19 infections – the rate has passed the 14-day threshold of 250 per 100,000 people and is now considered to be at ‘extreme risk’.

Another six healthcare zones and three municipalities have been placed under perimetral shutdown aimed at curbing people crossing their borders. It means residents can only enter and leave for essential reasons, including going to work.

Existing restrictions covering a further five local healthcare zones and seven municipalities have also been extended until April 12. Taken together, the rules cover around 324,000 residents, around 5% of the regional population.

And as well as trying to control mobility, Madrid will continue the measures introduced to prevent coronavirus spreading over the Easter holidays until April 9. These include closing the region’s border, and 23.00 to 06.00 curfew, closing time for restaurants and bars at 23.00, and a ban on social gatherings between people of different households