Barcelona Coronavirus August 2020 - Daily Updates and Advice for Visiting Groups

Monday 31 August 2020

The Ministry of Health for Spain has registered 2,489 new infections in the last 24 hours, and 23,572 since the last press briefing on Friday. The Ministry has not provided coronavirus diagnostic data during the weekend since 4 July. The total number of people infected since the start of the pandemic rises to 462,858.

The acceleration of infections does not correspond with an increase in mortality. 141 deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. 83 new deaths have been reported since Friday. The total deaths in the pandemic rises to 29,094. The data exclude deaths in residences and those who had symptoms compatible with Covid-19 but did not undergo a diagnostic test. Spain’s mortality rate has returned to normal compared with the same period over the previous five years, with no excess deaths since 18 May.

Saturday 29 August 2020

Catalonia has reported 1,547 new positive cases and 10 more deaths in the last 24 hours according to data from the Health Department updated daily on its web page. There are 664 hospital admissions, 21 less than the previous update, with 129 people in the ICU, 3 more.

Friday 28 August 2020

The Ministry of Health for Spain has registered 3,829 new infections in the last 24 hours. The total number of people infected since the start of the pandemic rises to 439,286, 9,779 more than yesterday. The discrepancy is caused by including those tests that take more than a day to become known.

The acceleration of infections does not correspond with an increase in mortality. 129 deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. 15 new deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours. The total deaths in the pandemic rises to 29,011. The data exclude deaths in residences and those who had symptoms compatible with Covid-19 but did not undergo a diagnostic test. Spain’s mortality rate has returned to normal compared with the same period over the previous five years, with no excess deaths since 18 May.

Thursday 27 August 2020

The Ministry of Health for Spain has registered 3,781 new infections in the last 24 hours. The total number of people infected since the start of the pandemic rises to 429,507, 9,658 more than yesterday. The discrepancy is caused by including those tests that take more than a day to become known. Hospital admissions total 6,036, occupying 5% of the available beds.

The acceleration of infections does not correspond with an increase in mortality. 132 deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. 25 new deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours. The total deaths in the pandemic rises to 28,996. The data exclude deaths in residences and those who had symptoms compatible with Covid-19 but did not undergo a diagnostic test. Spain’s mortality rate has returned to normal compared with the same period over the previous five years, with no excess deaths since 18 May.

Catalonia has reported 1,288 new positive tests and 13 deaths in the last 24 hours.

All pupils in Spain over six years of age will have to wear a mask in class from September. This applies even if they are part of a so-called stable or bubble coexistence group whose members cannot mix with members of other classes.

Wednesday 26 August 2020

The Ministry of Health for Spain has registered 3,549 new infections in the last 24 hours. The total number of people infected since the start of the pandemic rises to 419,849, 7,296 more than yesterday. The discrepancy is caused by including those tests that take more than a day to become known.

The acceleration of infections does not correspond with an increase in mortality. 129 deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. 47 new deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours. The total deaths in the pandemic rises to 28,971. The data exclude deaths in residences and those who had symptoms compatible with Covid-19 but did not undergo a diagnostic test. Spain’s mortality rate has returned to normal compared with the same period over the previous five years, with no excess deaths since 18 May.

Catalonia has reported 866 new positive tests and 13 deaths in the last 24 hours according to data from the Health Department updated daily on its web page. Current hospital admissions stand at 662, 3 less than yesterday. A total of 136 patients are admitted to intensive care units, 2 less than yesterday.

Tuesday 25 August 2020

The Ministry of Health for Spain has registered 2,415 new infections in the last 24 hours. The total number of people infected since the start of the pandemic rises to 412,553, 7,117 more than yesterday. The discrepancy is caused by including those tests that take more than a day to become known.

The acceleration of infections does not correspond with an increase in mortality. 116 deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. 52 new deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours. The total deaths in the pandemic rises to 28,924. The data exclude deaths in residences and those who had symptoms compatible with Covid-19 but did not undergo a diagnostic test. Spain’s mortality rate has returned to normal compared with the same period over the previous five years, with no excess deaths since 18 May.

Catalonia has reported 795 new positive tests and 5 deaths in the last 24 hours according to data from the Health Department updated daily on its web page. Current hospital admissions stand at 665, 7 less than yesterday. A total of 138 patients are admitted to intensive care units, 4 more than yesterday.

Monday 24 August 2020

The Ministry of Health for Spain has registered 2,060 new infections in the last 24 hours, and 19,382 since the last press briefing on Friday. The Ministry has not provided coronavirus diagnostic data during the weekend since 4 July. The total number of people infected since the start of the pandemic rises to 405,436.

The acceleration of infections does not correspond with an increase in mortality. 96 deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. 34 new deaths have been reported since Friday. The total deaths in the pandemic rises to 28,872. The data exclude deaths in residences and those who had symptoms compatible with Covid-19 but did not undergo a diagnostic test. Spain’s mortality rate has returned to normal compared with the same period over the previous five years, with no excess deaths since 18 May.

Catalonia has prohibited public and private social gatherings of more than 10 people for at least 15 days. This does not apply to work or travel. Murcia has lowered the number allowed to meet to six and Madrid recommends not meeting. There have been 1,776 new positive tests and zero deaths in the last 24 hours according to data from the Health Department of Catalonia updated daily on its web page.

Sunday 23 August 2020

Catalonia has reported 1,168 new positive tests and 16 deaths in the last 24 hours.

Saturday 22 August 2020

Catalonia has reported 1,174 new positive tests and 16 deaths in the last 24 hours.

Friday 21 August 2020

The Ministry of Health for Spain has registered 3,650 new infections in the last 24 hours. The total number of people infected since the start of the pandemic rises to 386,054, 8,148 more than yesterday. The discrepancy is caused by including those tests that take more than a day to become known.

125 deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. 25 new deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours. The total deaths in the pandemic rises to 28,838. The data exclude deaths in residences and those who had symptoms compatible with Covid-19 but did not undergo a diagnostic test. Spain’s mortality rate has returned to normal compared with the same period over the previous five years, with no excess deaths since 18 May.

Catalonia has reported 1,055 new positive tests and 1 death in the last 24 hours according to data from the Health Department updated daily on its web page.

Thursday 20 August 2020

The Ministry of Health for Spain has registered 3,349 new infections in the last 24 hours. The total number of people infected since the start of the pandemic rises to 377,906, 7,039 more than yesterday. The discrepancy is caused by including those tests that take more than a day to become known.

122 deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. 16 new deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours. The total deaths in the pandemic rises to 28,813. The data exclude deaths in residences and those who had symptoms compatible with Covid-19 but did not undergo a diagnostic test. Spain’s mortality rate has returned to normal compared with the same period over the previous five years, with no excess deaths since 18 May.

Catalonia has reported 1,274 new positive tests and 9 deaths in the last 24 hours according to data from the Health Department updated daily on its web page.

Wednesday 19 August 2020

The Ministry of Health for Spain has registered 3,715 new infections in the last 24 hours. The total number of people infected since the start of the pandemic rises to 370,867, 6,671 more than yesterday. The discrepancy is caused by including those tests that take more than a day to become known.

131 deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week, more than double the figure reported yesterday. 127 new deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours, five times higher than yesterday. The total deaths in the pandemic rises to 28,797. The data exclude deaths in residences and those who had symptoms compatible with Covid-19 but did not undergo a diagnostic test. Spain’s mortality rate has returned to normal compared with the same period over the previous five years, with no excess deaths since 18 May.

Catalonia has reported 817 new positive tests and 7 deaths in the last 24 hours according to data from the Health Department updated daily on its web page.

Tuesday 18 August 2020

The Ministry of Health for Spain has registered 2,128 new infections in the last 24 hours. The total number of people infected since the start of the pandemic rises to 364,196, 5,114 more than yesterday. The discrepancy is caused by including those tests that take more than a day to become known.

The acceleration of infections does not correspond with an increase in mortality. 63 deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. 24 new deaths have been reported in the lasr 24 hours. The total deaths in the pandemic rises to 28,670. The data exclude deaths in residences and those who had symptoms compatible with Covid-19 but did not undergo a diagnostic test. Spain’s mortality rate has returned to normal compared with the same period over the previous five years, with no excess deaths since 18 May.

Catalonia has reported 557 new positive tests and 10 deaths in the last 24 hours according to data from the Health Department updated daily on its web page. Current hospital admissions stand at 659, an increase of 17 from yesterday. A total of 130 patients are admitted to intensive care units, 1 more than yesterday.

Monday 17 August 2020

With no updates provided over the weekend, the Ministry of Health for Spain has reported 16,269 new cases over the past 3 days, double the number of a week ago. There have been 1,833 new infections registered in the last 24 hours. The total number of people infected since the start of the pandemic rises to 359,082.

There have been 29 deaths over the last 3 days, with 54 deceased in the previous week. The total number of people who have lost their lives to Covid-19 has risen to 28,646. The data exclude deaths in residences and those who had symptoms compatible with Covid-19 but did not undergo a diagnostic test. Spain’s mortality rate has returned to normal compared with the same period over the previous five years, with no excess deaths since 18 May.

Catalonia has reported 1,204 new positive tests and 2 deaths in the last 24 hours according to data from the Health Department updated daily on its web page.

Sunday 16 August 2020

Catalonia has reported 1,044 new positive cases and 13 more deaths in the last 24 hours according to data from the Health Department updated daily on its web page. There have been 557 new hospital admissions, 20 less than the previous day, with 119 people in the ICU, 3 less. The average age of the positive cases is 38.98 years.

The main German tour operators are preparing the repatriation of the 30,000 German tourists who are currently in the Balearic Islands, mainly in Mallorca. Germany has included all of Spain, except the Canary Islands, in a risk zone for coronavirus and advises against travelling to the country. This will have serious consequences on the economy of the islands, where the Balearic Government estimates a drop in GDP of 30% and a rise in unemployment up to 31%.

Saturday 15 August 2020

Catalonia has reported 1,120 new positive tests and 6 deaths in the last 24 hours according to data from the Health Department updated daily on its web page.

Despite an acceleration in new coronavirus infections, Spain’s mortality rate has returned to normal compared with the same period over the previous five years, with no excess deaths since 18 May. On June 21 there were 9.07 deaths per 100 patients infected. That percentage has dropped to 0.31, a decrease of 96%. The reduced lethality may be explained by:

• more testing leading to an increase in detected infections;
• the average age of those affected falling from 60 to 40 years of age, with younger people less vulnerable;
• better protection of the more vulnerable elderly;
• those affected receiving the best possible care now the saturation of the health system has passed;
• a better understanding of the virus and the range of therapeutics available to treat it;
• the virus becoming less virulent as it mutates.

Friday 14 August 2020

The Ministry of Health for Spain has registered 2,987 new infections in the last 24 hours. The total number of people infected since the start of the pandemic rises to 342,813, 5,479 more than yesterday. The discrepancy is caused by including those tests that take more than a day to become known.

The acceleration of infections does not correspond with an increase in mortality. Sixtytwo deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. Twelve new deaths have been reported today. The total deaths in the pandemic rises to 28,617. The data exclude deaths in residences and those who had symptoms compatible with Covid-19 but did not undergo a diagnostic test. Spain’s mortality rate has returned to normal compared with the same period over the previous five years, with no excess deaths since 18 May.

Spain has banned smoking in the street within two metres of another person as it stepped up restrictions to stop the spread of coronavirus today. The Health Minister Salvador Illa unveiled new measures to be enforced nationwide, including closing restaurants and bars. Nightclubs and late-night bars will be closed, restaurants will have to close by 1am, no new customers can enter after midnight and establishments will be limited to 10 diners.

Thursday 13 August 2020

The Ministry of Health for Spain has registered 2,935 new infections in the last 24 hours, a figure that includes the update of data from Madrid that were missing yesterday. The total number of people infected since the start of the pandemic rises to 337,334, 7,550 more than yesterday. The discrepancy is caused by including the missing Madrid and those tests that take more than a day to become known. Hospital bed occupancy rate due to the coronavirus is 3% of all beds.

The acceleration of infections does not correspond with an increase in mortality. Seventy deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. Twentysix new deaths have been reported today. The total deaths in the pandemic rises to 28,605. The data exclude deaths in residences and those who had symptoms compatible with Covid-19 but did not undergo a diagnostic test.

Wednesday 12 August 2020

The Ministry of Health for Spain has registered 1,690 new infections in the last 24 hours. The data does not include Madrid which has been unable to update its numbers 'due to technical problems'. This community, however, has issued its own daily statement with new covid-19 infections doubling to 654 in the last 24 hours. The total number of people infected since the start of the pandemic rises to 329,784, 3,172 more than yesterday. The discrepancy is caused by including those tests that take more than a day to become known.

The cases diagnosed in the last 7 days total 24,524, a very reliable figure because it has given time to consolidate data from previous days. An average of 3,500 infections are being detected daily. A month ago, an average of 450 new infections were diagnosed each day, which gives a measure of the increase in incidence that has occurred in the last month.

The acceleration of infections does not correspond with an increase in mortality. Sixtyfive deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. Two deaths have been deducted from the register in the last 24 hours, with the elimination of duplicates from the Basque Country. The total deaths in the pandemic falls to 28,579. The data exclude deaths in residences and those who had symptoms compatible with Covid-19 but did not undergo a diagnostic test. Spain’s mortality rate has returned to normal compared with the same period over the previous five years, with no excess deaths since 18 May.

Catalonia has registered 450 new infections in the last 24 hours, compared to 759 new cases announced yesterday. There have been 8 deaths in the last 24 hours, two less than yesterday. New hospital admissions in the last 24 hours 574. Numbers in intensive care units have risen to 119.

Testing to stop the transmission of the coronavirus will be carried out in two low-income Barcelona districts, Torre Baró and Besòs-Maresme. These are the areas of the city with the greatest socio-economic problems and where the average annual income is below 10,000 euros.

Torre Baró has one of the lowest family incomes in the city. If the disposable family income indicator places the average for Barcelona (21,896 euros per year) at 100, the indicator in this neighbourhood is 46.5. The Nou Barris district, to which Torre Baró belongs, has been the worst hit by the coronavirus. The incidence in this district since the beginning of the pandemic is 69.58 infected per 10,000 inhabitants, almost three times more than in wealthy neighbourhoods, such as the Sarrià-Sant Gervasi district.

Besòs-Maresme is a district on the northern outskirts of Barcelona. The incidence of cases in the neighbourhood since July 1 is 83.7 infected per 10,000 inhabitants, twice the average for the city in the same period (39.6). The disposable family income indicator is also well below the city average, standing at 60.4. In Besòs, more than 30% of residents lack secondary or higher education and the unemployment rate is 9.6%, more than 2.5 points higher than the average for Barcelona. Three quarters of the neighbourhood are users of social services.

A study by the Hospital del Mar Institute for Medical Research (IMIM) and the Institut Universitari d'Investigació en Atenció Primària has found that the districts of the city of Barcelona with the lowest incomes were the most affected by the first wave of the coronavirus.

The relationship between the number of Covid-19 cases and income in Barcelona
Source: Hospital del Mar, El Pais

Tuesday 11 August 2020

The Ministry of Health for Spain has registered 1,418 new infections in the last 24 hours. The total number of people infected since the start of the pandemic rises to 326,612, 3,632 more than yesterday. The discrepancy is caused by including those tests that take more than a day to become known.

The acceleration of infections does not correspond with an increase in mortality. Sixtyfour deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. Five new deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours. The total deaths in the pandemic rises to 28,581. The data exclude deaths in residences and those who had symptoms compatible with Covid-19 but did not undergo a diagnostic test. Spain’s mortality rate has returned to normal compared with the same period over the previous five years, with no excess deaths since 18 May.

The Ministry of Health for Catalonia has registered 830 new positive tests for covid-19 this morning and 2 deaths in the last 24 hours.

Monday 10 August 2020

The Ministry of Health for Spain has registered 1,486 new infections in the last 24 hours, and 8,618 since the last press briefing on Friday. The Ministry has not provided coronavirus diagnostic data during the weekend since 4 July. The total number of people infected since the start of the pandemic rises to 322,980.

The acceleration of infections does not correspond with an increase in mortality. Sixtyfive deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. Seventythree new deaths have been reported since Friday. The total deaths in the pandemic rises to 28,576. The data exclude deaths in residences and those who had symptoms compatible with Covid-19 but did not undergo a diagnostic test. Spain’s mortality rate has returned to normal compared with the same period over the previous five years, with no excess deaths since 18 May.

Catalonia has registered 863 new infections in the last 24 hours, compared to 1,091 new cases announced yesterday. There have been 5 deaths in the last 24 hours, two less than yesterday. New hospital admissions on Sunday totalled 590, 26 more than on Saturday. Numbers in intensive care units have risen from 110 to 116.

Sunday 9 August 2020

Catalonia has registered 1,091 new infections in the last 24 hours, compared to 1,143 new cases announced yesterday. There have been 7 deaths in the last 24 hours, four more than yesterday. New hospital admissions total 564, 20 more than yesterday. Numbers in intensive care units have risen from 108 to 110.

Mass tests of the population will begin tomorrow in two towns within the Barcelona region, Vilafranca del Penedès and Santa Coloma de Gramanet.

Only five countries in the European Schengen area do not have travel advisories for Spain: Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Sweden.

Saturday 8 August 2020

Catalonia has registered 1,143 new infections in the last 24 hours, compared to 1,181 new cases announced yesterday. There have been 3 deaths in the last 24 hours, seven less than yesterday. New hospital admissions total 544, 32 less than yesterday. Numbers in intensive care units have risen from 106 to 108.

Denmark has advised its citizens against non-essential travel to Spain due to the resurgence of Covid-19 cases.

Friday 7 August 2020

The coronavirus infections in Spain continue to increase, and according to the Johns Hopkins University, Spain now has the most cases in Western Europe. The Ministry of Health for Spain has registered 1,895 new infections in the last 24 hours, 212 more than yesterday when 1,683 were reported. Aragon, the community with the highest rate of infections, has not provided data today due to technical problems. The total number of people infected since the start of the pandemic rises to 314,362. This total represents 4,507 cases more than yesterday, a discrepancy caused by those tests that take more than a day to become known and communities that failed to provide data. There are currently 580 active outbreaks affecting 6,900 people.

The acceleration of infections does not correspond with an increase in mortality. Sixteen deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. Three new deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours. The total deaths in the pandemic rises to 28,503. The data exclude deaths in residences and those who had symptoms compatible with Covid-19 but did not undergo a diagnostic test. Spain’s mortality rate has returned to normal compared with the same period over the previous five years, with no excess deaths since 18 May.

Aragon, the autonomous community with the highest rate of infections in recent weeks, will make home visits to check isolation conditions are adhered to. If isolation is breached, sanctions are foreseen.

The increase in cases in Catalonia continues. According to the Ministry of Health, there have been 1,181 new infections in the last 24 hours, compared to 706 new cases announced yesterday. There have been 10 deaths in the last 24 hours, one less than yesterday. New hospital admissions total 576, the same as yesterday. Numbers in intensive care units have fallen from 108 to 106.

The average age of positive cases in Catalonia continues to drop slightly, falling in the last three weeks from an average of 39.5 years to 36.7. More infections are linked to nightlife than family gatherings.

Thursday 6 August 2020

The covid-19 infections in Spain continue to cause international concern. The Ministry of Health for Spain has registered 1,683 new infections in the last 24 hours, 89 less than yesterday when 1,772 were reported. The total number of people infected since the start of the pandemic rises to 309,855. This total represents 4,088 cases more than yesterday, a discrepancy caused by those tests that take more than a day to become known and two communities that failed to provide data. There are currently 580 active outbreaks affecting 6,900 people.

Twentytwo deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. One new death has been reported in the last 24 hours. The total deaths in the pandemic rises to 28,500. The data exclude deaths in residences and those who had symptoms compatible with Covid-19 but did not undergo a diagnostic test. Spain’s mortality rate has returned to normal compared with the same period over the previous five years, with no excess deaths since 18 May.

Catalonia has reported 706 new infections in the last 24 hours, with 11 deaths. The daily number of new infections has fallen from yesterday when 955 were registered in 24 hours, but the number of deaths has risen. New hospital admissions total 576, a decrease on yesterday's total of 607. Numbers in intensive care units have fallen from 111 to 108.

Wednesday 5 August 2020

The covid-19 infections in Spain have increased again. The Ministry of Health for Spain has registered 1,772 new infections in the last 24 hours, 594 more than yesterday when 1,178 were reported. The total number of people infected since the start of the pandemic rises to 305,767. This total represents 2,953 cases more than yesterday, the discrepancy of 1,181 caused by those tests that take more than a day to become known. Two communities have not provided data. The Ministry of Health has explained that Castilla La Mancha has not been able to upload data due to technical problems and the Basque Country has not uploaded data due to local festivities.

Twentyfive deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. One new death has been reported in the last 24 hours. The total deaths in the pandemic rises to 28,499. The data exclude deaths in residences and those who had symptoms compatible with Covid-19 but did not undergo a diagnostic test. Spain’s mortality rate has returned to normal compared with the same period over the previous five years, with no excess deaths since 18 May.

Catalonia has reported 955 new infections in the last 24 hours, with 10 deaths. The daily number of new infections has increased 54% from yesterday when 622 were registered in 24 hours, but the number of deaths has fallen. New hospital admissions total 607, a decrease on yesterday's total of 632. Numbers in intensive care units have risen from 108 to 111. From July 12 to August 1, 147 people have died in Catalonia from Covid-19. Twenty people died between July 12 and 18, 52 died from 19 to 25, and a total of 75 from July 26 to August 1, in a clearly upward trend.

Tuesday 4 August 2020

The covid-19 infections in Spain have increased again. The Ministry of Health for Spain has registered 1,178 new infections in the last 24 hours, 210 more than yesterday when 968 were reported. The total number of people infected since the start of the pandemic rises to 302,814. This total represents 5,760 cases more than yesterday, the discrepancy caused by including missing data for Catalonia, Madrid and Navarra, and those tests that take more than a day to become known.

34 deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. 26 new deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours. The total deaths in the pandemic rises to 28,498, 53 more than yesterday when no deaths were reported. Again, there is a discrepancy in the data. The data exclude deaths in residences and those who had symptoms compatible with Covid-19 but did not undergo a diagnostic test. Spain’s mortality rate has returned to normal compared with the same period over the previous five years, with no excess deaths since 18 May.

Catalonia has reported 622 new infections in the last 24 hours, with 30 deaths. The daily number of new infections has fallen 50% from yesterday when 1,243 were registered in 24 hours, but the number of deaths has quintupled. New hospital admissions total 632, an increase on yesterday's total of 603. Numbers in intensive care units have risen from 105 to 108.

Monday 3 August 2020

The covid-19 infections in Spain have increased again. The Ministry of Health for Spain has registered 8,532 new infections since Friday and 968 in the last 24 hours, but this latter data excludes Catalonia, Madrid and Navarra. The total number of people infected since the start of the pandemic rises to 297,054. The Ministry of Health does not publish data on diagnosed or deceased cases over the weekend.

Twentysix deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. No new deaths have been reported today, with the total deaths in the pandemic remaining at 28,445. This data excludes Catalonia, Madrid and Navarra and deaths from residences and those who had symptoms compatible with Covid-19 but did not undergo a diagnostic test. Spain’s mortality rate has returned to normal compared with the same period over the previous five years, with no excess deaths since 18 May.

The Spanish Ministry of Health has located 560 active outbreaks, most of them occuring in the family unit and nightlife.

Catalonia has reported 1,243 new infections in the last 24 hours, with 6 deaths. New hospital admissions total 603, an increase of 171 from yesterday. Numbers in intensive care units have risen from 100 to 105.

In June, 204,926 foreign tourists arrived in Spain after the lifting of the state of alarm on June 21, 97.7% less than in the same month last year, according to National Statistics Institute data published today. Not only was the inflow low, but those who came also spent much less. Tourists who visited the country in June spent a total of 133 million euros, 98.6% less than a year ago. Each tourist spent an average of 651 euros, 40.6% less than a year earlier. Spending was probably contained by the fear of contagion in leisure or restaurant venues and a possible worsening of their personal finances. The tourism sector has lost 27.3 million visitors and 28.4 billion euros in the first half of the year, a fall of 70.6% compared to last year's figures. This is the most catastrophic data for Spanish tourism ever recorded. And the coronavirus outbreaks do not suggest a quick comeback in the second half of the year.

Spain has entered recession with an historic fall in GDP of 18.5% between April and June, the biggest decline since the Spanish Civil War in 1936. This fall is in addition to the 5.2% decrease in economic activity from January to March. The drop is much larger than those reported in other large western economies. Activity in Germany decreased by 10.1% in the second quarter. In the United States, 9.5%. In France, 13.8%. The reasons are twofold. Spain has taken tougher containment measures than other countries and the structure of the economy is much more sensitive to the restrictions that covid-19 has imposed. Dependence on tourism and other services based on human interaction is higher than elsewhere and leaves the Spanish economy in a much more vulnerable position to face the trail of damage that the coronavirus is leaving behind.

Sunday 2 August 2020

Catalonia, which imposed one of the world's strictest lockdowns to stop the spread of the virus, has reported 1,444 new infections in the last 24 hours, with no deaths. New hospital admissions total 574, an increase of 40 from Saturday. Numbers in intensive care units have risen from 98 to 100.

Almost coronavirus-free municipalities also exist in Catalonia, and some are not as small or rural as one might think. Among them are Sitges, Vilanova i la Geltrú and Sant Feliu de Guíxols. Sitges is a well-known tourist destination, close to Barcelona, with about 29,000 inhabitants. It has an R0 (number of new infections estimated to come from a single case) of 1.29. None of the five PCR tests carried out in Sitges last week resulted in admission to hospital.

Since the state of alarm ended 40 days ago, contagions in Spain have multiplied by eight, with upturns in various regions. Salvador Illa, Minister of Health reports that none of the outbreaks are uncontrolled. Given the increase in cases, the Belgian authorities have banned non-essential trips to Aragon, Navarra, Barcelona and Lleida.

Saturday 1 August 2020

In the last 24 hours, Catalonia has reported 1,367 more positive cases of covid-19 and 19 deaths, according to the latest data released today by the Health Department. Data on hospitalised people show there are currently 534 in Catalan hospitals infected with coronavirus, 165 fewer than the previous day. A total of 107 people have died in Catalonia from covid-19 between July 7-27, with 699 patients admitted to the various Catalan hospitals. In total, since the start of the pandemic, 96,614 positive cases have been recorded in Catalonia, of which 77,412 have been confirmed by a PCR test.

The current R0 value for the city of Barcelona (the average number of people who can be infected by someone positive) is 1.14, and tending to decrease.

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UK FCO Advice Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024: FCO advises against all non-essential travel to Spain

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