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

Friday 31 July 2020

The covid-19 infections in Spain have increased again. The Ministry of Health for Spain has registered 1,525 new cases of covid-19 infections in the last 24 hours, 296 more than Thursday. The total number of people infected since the start of the pandemic rises to 288,522. This total represents 3,092 cases more than yesterday, the discrepancy caused by including those tests that take more than a day to become known. Of the 1,525 new cases, the most affected regions are Aragon (511), followed by Madrid (372) and the Basque Country (158).

Twelve deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. Two new deaths have been reported today, bringing the total deaths in the pandemic to 28,445. This data excludes 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.

In Spain, 527 outbreaks have been registered since the end of the state of alarm, of which 412 are still active with more than 4,870 associated cases. The virus is affecting younger people. The average age has dropped from 63 to 45. On average, 42,000 daily PCR tests are being carried out in the country, 48,000 on working days. 60% of the detected cases are asymptomatic.

Thursday 30 July 2020

The Ministry of Health for Spain has registered 1,229 new cases of covid-19 infections in the last 24 hours, 76 more than Wednesday. This brings the total number of people infected since the start of the pandemic to 285,430. This total represents 2,789 cases more than yesterday, the discrepancy caused by including those tests that take more than a day to become known.

Ten deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. Two new deaths have been reported today, bringing the total deaths in the pandemic to 28,443. This data excludes 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.

In Spain, 527 outbreaks have been registered since the end of the state of alarm, of which 412 are still active with more than 4,870 associated cases. The virus is affecting younger people. The average age has dropped from 63 to 45. On average, 42,000 daily PCR tests are being carried out in the country, 48,000 on working days. 60% of the detected cases are asymptomatic.

The largest group of infections (60%) are concentrated in Catalonia and Aragon. The most frequent area in which they occur is in social settings. 24% of outbreaks detected occur in the workplace, the most frequent related to the fruit and vegetable sector. There is a smaller group of mixed outbreaks (19%), representing family environments. About 70% of the outbreaks have less than 10 associated cases.

The German government has advised against non-essential travel to the Spanish regions of Aragon, Catalonia and Navarra as a result of the 'high number of coronavirus infections'. The Dutch government has also advised against all non-essential travel to Barcelona and urged its citizens to immediately return to the Netherlands and quarantine.

From 27 July, the UK FCO advises against all non-essential travel to Spain including the Balearic and Canary Islands based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks. The Canary Islands and Balearic Islands are no longer exempt. This advice is based on evidence of increases in cases of COVID-19 in several regions, but particularly in Aragon, Navarra and Catalonia (which include the cities of Zaragoza, Pamplona and Barcelona).

The Ministry of Health for Catalonia has announced voluntary restrictive measures for the metropolitan area of Barcelona, given the upward evolution of covid-19 infections. These measures will be in place until 1 August. Citizens of the affected municipalities are advised to stay at home except for essential journeys. Meetings of more than 10 people are prohibited and the capacity in bars and restaurants is limited to 50%. Nightlife and cultural activities should be avoided. The regional government has stopped short of imposing a mandatory lockdown and said the measures were meant to avoid having to do so. Four million Catalans are subject to these restrictions.

Most regions in Spain have now made the use of face masks obligatory in both indoor and outdoor public spaces, even when social distancing of 1.5 metres is observed. Penalties may be imposed if you do not comply.

Arrivals from the United Kingdom are not required to self-isolate on arrival but will be subject to a series of three health checks. These checks involve:

• providing the Spanish Ministry of Health with contact information and any history of exposure to COVID-19 by following the instructions on the Spain Travel Health website or downloadable app 48 hours prior to travel. It is mandatory for all passengers travelling to Spain to fill out and sign the online form associated with your trip, regardless of your nationality or residency status. On completion, you will be issued a personal and non-transferable QR code which you must show (electronically or hardcopy) at airport health controls on arrival;
• a temperature reading;
• a visual health assessment.

Wednesday 29 July 2020

New coronavirus infections in Spain continue to rise, with 1,153 cases diagnosed in the last 24 hours. This represents a 27% increase from yesterday when 905 new cases were registered. The majority of new cases are in Aragon, Catalonia and Madrid. In Catalonia, there have been 969 new cases and eight more deaths in the last 24 hours. In Madrid, the average age of those infected in the region in recent days has dropped 20 years, from 54 to 34, with sustained growth since the end of last week. Most of the new infections (60%) are diagnosed are asymptomatic, with a high presence of youth groups associated with leisure activities. 282,641 have been infected since the start of the pandemic.

Yesterday the total number of infections registered was 280,610 - 2,031 less than the data reported today. Tests that take more than a day to become known are not listed as infections diagnosed in the last 24 hours.

Nine deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. Five new deaths have been reported today, bringing the total deaths in the pandemic to 28,441. This data excludes 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.

Tuesday 28 July 2020

The Ministry of Health in Spain has reported 905 new infections in the last 24 hours, a 6% increase from yesterday when 855 new cases were registered. Aragon with 357 new cases is the community most affected. On Monday, Aragon had notified 474. Most of the new infections (60%) are diagnosed are asymptomatic, with a high presence of youth groups associated with leisure activities. The average age of diagnosed cases has continued to drop, now reaching 43 years in women and 40 in men. 280,610 have been infected since the start of the pandemic.

Six deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. Two new deaths have been reported today, bringing the total deaths in the pandemic to 28,436. This data excludes deaths from residences and those who had symptoms compatible with Covid-19 but did not undergo a diagnostic test.

Monday 27 July 2020

The Ministry of Health in Spain has reported 855 new infections in the last 24 hours, a 7% fall from Friday when 922 new cases were registered. Aragon with 474 new cases is the community most affected. On Friday, Aragon had notified 298. There have been 6,361 new infections since Friday, with daily updates no longer provided over the weekends. 278,782 have been infected since the start of the pandemic.

Six deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. Two new deaths have been reported today, bringing the total deaths in the pandemic to 28,434. This data excludes 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.

Saturday 25 July 2020

From 26 July, the UK FCO advises against all non-essential travel to mainland Spain based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks. The Canary Islands and Balearic Islands are exempt. This advice is based on evidence of increases in cases of COVID-19 in several regions, but particularly in Aragon, Navarra and Catalonia (which include the cities of Zaragoza, Pamplona and Barcelona).

The FCO is not advising those already travelling in Spain to leave at this time. All tourists returning from Spain (including from the Balearics and Canaries) on or after 26 July will have to quarantine for two weeks.

Friday 24 July 2020

The Government of Catalonia has ordered the suspension of nightlife activity throughout Catalonia due to the current situation of the covid-19. In addition, in the municipalities where the highest number of new covid-19 infections have been detected, restaurants and bars must close at midnight. These measures will be in place until 9 August.

The Ministry of Health in Spain has reported 922 new infections in the last 24 hours, a 5% fall from yesterday when 972 new cases were registered. Aragon (298), Catalonia (133) and Madrid (107) are the communities most affected. Yesterday, Aragon had notified 415, Catalonia, 182, and Madrid, 102. Navarra, where the Pamplona de Mendillorri neighbourhood has regressed to phase 2 due to a flare-up, has increased from 66 to 93 new daily cases. In total, 272,421 have been infected since the start of the pandemic.

Ten deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. Three new deaths have been reported today, bringing the total deaths in the pandemic to 28,432. This data excludes 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 Ministry of Health for Catalonia has announced voluntary restrictive measures for the metropolitan area of Barcelona, given the upward evolution of covid-19 infections. These measures will be in place until 1 August. Citizens of the affected municipalities are advised to stay at home except for essential journeys. Meetings of more than 10 people are prohibited and the capacity in bars and restaurants is limited to 50%. Nightlife and cultural activities should be avoided. The regional government has stopped short of imposing a mandatory lockdown and said the measures were meant to avoid having to do so. Four million Catalans are subject to these restrictions.

Most regions in Spain have now made the use of face masks obligatory in both indoor and outdoor public spaces, even when social distancing of 1.5 metres is observed. Penalties may be imposed if you do not comply.

After almost 100 days of confinement and six extensions of the state of alarm, Spain has reached the so-called new normal. Restrictions on mobility have been lifted and borders with the EU and 15 non-Schengen area countries have been opened. The 15 non-Schengen countries have an epidemiological situation similar to or better than that of Europe. Italy has withdrawn from this European agreement and will impose a mandatory two-week quarantine for all countries outside of Schengen.

Arrivals from the United Kingdom are not required to self-isolate on arrival but will be subject to a series of three health checks. These checks involve:

• providing the Spanish Ministry of Health with contact information and any history of exposure to COVID-19 by following the instructions on the Spain Travel Health website or downloadable app 48 hours prior to travel. It is mandatory for all passengers travelling to Spain to fill out and sign the online form associated with your trip, regardless of your nationality or residency status. On completion, you will be issued a personal and non-transferable QR code which you must show (electronically or hardcopy) at airport health controls on arrival;
• a temperature reading;
• a visual health assessment.

England has lifted the quarantine of travellers arriving from Spain. Spain was exempted from UK Foreign Office advice against all international travel from 4 July.

Thursday 23 July 2020

The Ministry of Health in Spain has reported 971 new infections in the last 24 hours, 241 more than on Wednesday. Aragon (415), Catalonia (182) and Madrid (102) are the communities most affected. Yesterday, Aragon had notified 309, Catalonia, 58, and Madrid, 70. Navarra, where the Pamplona de Mendillorri neighbourhood has regressed to phase 2 due to a flare-up, has dropped from 132 to 66 new daily cases. In total, 270,166 have been infected since the start of the pandemic.

Seven deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. Three new deaths have been reported today, bringing the total deaths in the pandemic to 28,429. This data excludes 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.

Overnight stays in hotel establishments in Spain plummeted 95.1% in June compared to the same month the previous year. The National Statistics Institute reports 1.8 million overnight stays, in contrast to the 37.1 million registered in June 2019.

Wednesday 22 July 2020

The Ministry of Health in Spain has reported 730 new infections in the last 24 hours, 201 more than on Tuesday. Aragon, with 309 cases, and Navarra, with 132, are two of the most affected communities. Catalonia has 58 new infections. In total, 267,551 have been infected since the start of the pandemic.

Twelve deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. Two new deaths have been reported today, bringing the total deaths in the pandemic to 28,426. This data excludes 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.

Spain currently has 224 active outbreaks, 23 more than on Monday, with 2,622 people affected. The majority of the cases are associated with fruit-picking work activities, family environments or nightlife. An outbreak is defined as any grouping of three or more confirmed or probable cases with active infection in which an epidemiological link has been established.

Tuesday 21 July 2020

The Ministry of Health in Spain has reported 529 new infections in the last 24 hours, 156 fewer than on Monday. Aragon, with 187 cases, and Catalonia, with 63, are two of the most affected communities. In total, 266,194 have been infected since the start of the pandemic.

Nine deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. Two new deaths have been reported today, bringing the total deaths in the pandemic to 28,424. This data excludes deaths from residences and those who had symptoms compatible with Covid-19 but did not undergo a diagnostic test.

Monday 20 July 2020

The Ministry of Health in Spain has reported 685 new infections in the last 24 hours. There are currently 201 active outbreaks, with 2,289 associated infections. An outbreak is defined as any grouping of three or more confirmed or probable cases with active infection in which an epidemiological link has been established. Aragon, with 325 cases, and Catalonia, with 80, are the two most affected communities. In total, 264,836 have been infected since the start of the pandemic.

Nine deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. two new deaths have been reported today, bringing the total deaths in the pandemic to 28,422.

Saturday 18 July 2020

A Barcelona judge has fully ratified the measures adopted by the Catalan Government to curb the contagion of covid-19. These include the ban on the assembly of more than 10 people, which the Barcelona Prosecutor's Office had opposed. The measures take effect from 9am today.

Friday 17 July 2020

The Ministry of Health for Catalonia has announced new voluntary restrictive measures for the metropolitan area of Barcelona, given the upward evolution of covid-19 infections. The Barcelona Public Prosecutor's Office has opposed the Catalan Government's decision to prohibit meetings of more than 10 people but has approved all other measures. Citizens of the affected municipalities are advised to stay at home for the next 15 days except for essential journeys. The capacity in bars and restaurants is limited to 50%. Nightlife and cultural activities should be avoided. The regional government has stopped short of imposing a mandatory lockdown and said the measures were meant to avoid having to do so. Four million Catalans are subject to these restrictions.

The Ministry of Health in Spain has announced a rebound in the number of infections, with 628 new cases in the last 24 hours. Aragon, with 253 cases, and Catalonia, with 121, are the two most affected communities. In total, 260,255 have been infected since the start of the pandemic.

Ten deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. Four new deaths have been reported today, bringing the total deaths in the pandemic to 28,420. This data excludes 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.

Catalonia has reported 1,111 new coronavirus positives, of which 195 correspond to the Segrià region, 346 to the city of Barcelona and 67 to L'Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona), according to data released today by the Health Department. 30% of new infections in Barcelona have occurred among people under the age of 34, with 33 outbreaks reported in the city. Catalonia registers higher figures in its daily report than Ministry of Health gives because it refreshes the data from the last three days and also counts the positives for other diagnostic tests.

In Catalonia, the government entrusts individuals with the responsibility to avoid contagion. The restrictions on capacity, both indoors and outdoors, no longer apply. The permitted capacity of each venue is subject only to the ability to guarantee a safety distance between people of 1.5 metres. This is equivalent to a ratio of 2.5 m² per person.

Thursday 16 July 2020

The Ministry of Health in Spain has announced a rebound in the number of infections, with 580 new cases in the last 24 hours. Aragon, with 266 cases, and Catalonia, with 142, are the two most affected communities. In total, 258,855 have been infected since the start of the pandemic.

Nine deaths from coronavirus have been registered in the last week. Three new deaths have been reported today, bringing the total deaths in the pandemic to 28,416. This data excludes 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.

Catalonia has reported 1,293 new coronavirus positives this Thursday, of which 178 correspond to the Segrià region and 123 to L'Hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona). The Barcelona city health region is, however, the one with the highest number of new infections, with 372 cases. 304 new positives have been reported in the southern Metropolitan health region, to which L'Hospitalet de Llobregat belongs. Catalonia registers higher figures in its daily report than Ministry of Health gives because it refreshes the data from the last three days and also counts the positives for other diagnostic tests.

Wednesday 15 July 2020

The Ministry of Health in Spain has registered 10 deaths from coronavirus in the last week. Four new deaths have been reported today, with the official coronavirus death toll now at 28,413. 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 number of infections diagnosed by PCR in the last 24 hours is 390, a marked increase compared to yesterday when 263 were registered. In total, 257,494 have been infected since the start of the pandemic.

Most of the new positive cases are concentrated in Aragon (160), followed by Catalonia (91) and Madrid (43). But all the communities show a notable increase in the number of infections compared to two weeks ago.

More than half of the new coronavirus infections registered in Catalonia are in the city of Barcelona and in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, located within the Barcelona metropolitan area. Most of the infections are occurring among young people, many of them asymptomatic.

Spain currently has 120 active outbreaks with 2,139 people affected. 70% of the new cases are asymptomatic and are younger than those detected at the peak of the pandemic. An outbreak is defined as any grouping of three or more confirmed or probable cases with active infection in which an epidemiological link has been established.

Tuesday 14 July 2020

The Ministry of Health in Spain has registered 8 deaths from coronavirus in the last week. Three new deaths have been reported today, with the official coronavirus death toll now at 28,409. 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 number of infections diagnosed by PCR in the last 24 hours is 263, an increase compared to yesterday when 164 were registered. In total, 256,619 have been infected since the start of the pandemic.

Catalonia has registered 745 new positive coronavirus cases during the last 24 hours. The Lleida health region has the largest number of new infections, with an increase of 57. The South Metropolitan health region, which includes L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, has reported 129 new positives, 100 more than yesterday. In the city of Barcelona, 109 new positive cases have been reported, 67 more than yesterday.

An increase in testing and the search for asymptomatic patients account for much of this growth in new cases.

Monday 13 July 2020

The Ministry of Health in Spain has registered 7 deaths from coronavirus in the last week. Three new deaths have been reported today, with the official coronavirus death toll now at 28,406. 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 number of infections diagnosed by PCR in the last 24 hours is 164, a decrease compared to Friday when 333 were registered. Most of the new infections are concentrated in Catalonia, which has reported 42, followed by Aragon, with 32 and Andalusia, with 18. In total, 253,953 have been infected since the start of the pandemic.

Friday 10 July 2020

The Ministry of Health in Spain has registered 10 deaths from coronavirus in the last week. Two new deaths have been reported today, with the official coronavirus death toll now at 28,403. 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 number of infections diagnosed by PCR in the last 24 hours is 333, an increase compared to yesterday when 241 were registered. Andalusia, Aragon, Catalonia and Madrid concentrate the bulk of the new cases. Almost 70% of the cases in the outbreaks are asymptomatic. In total, 253,908 have been infected since the start of the pandemic.

The Barcelona region has registered 249 positive cases of covid-19 with a PCR test between June 29 and July 5, representing an increase of 76.6% compared to the previous week and an incidence of 11 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, according to the Open Data Portal of the Government of Catalonia. Although the number is high, it is far behind the 256 per 100,000 inhabitants of Segrià, confined since last Saturday, and places Barcelona in twelfth position in terms of incidence among the 42 Catalan regions. A large majority of those testing positive do not need to be admitted to hospital because they have very mild symptoms.

Thursday 9 July 2020

The Ministry of Health in Spain has registered 10 deaths from coronavirus in the last week. Five new deaths have been reported today, with the official coronavirus death toll now at 28,401. 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 number of infections diagnosed by PCR in the last 24 hours is 241, a slight decrease compared to yesterday when 257 were registered. In total, 253,056 have been infected since the start of the pandemic.

Wednesday 8 July 2020

Catalonia will make the use of face masks mandatory for people over six years old in all public spaces from tomorrow. A penalty of 100 euros may be imposed if you do not comply.

The Ministry of Health in Spain has registered 9 deaths from coronavirus in the last week. Four new deaths have been reported today, with the official coronavirus death toll now at 28,396. 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 number of infections diagnosed by PCR in the last 24 hours is 257, a significant increase compared to yesterday when 124 were registered. In total, 252,513 have been infected since the start of the pandemic.

Tuesday 7 July 2020

The Ministry of Health in Spain has registered 9 deaths from coronavirus in the last week. Four new deaths have been reported today, with the official coronavirus death toll now at 28,392. 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 number of infections diagnosed by PCR in the last 24 hours is 124, an increase compared to yesterday when 78 were registered. In total, 252,130 have been infected since the start of the pandemic.

Face masks are obligatory on public transport and in public spaces where it is not possible to maintain social distancing of 1.5 metres. Social distancing measures and other safety precautions must be observed at all times.

Monday 6 July 2020

The Ministry of Health in Spain has registered 12 deaths from coronavirus in the last week. Three new deaths have been reported since Friday, with the official coronavirus death toll now at 28,388. 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 number of infections diagnosed by PCR over the weekend is 78, an increase compared to Friday when 174 were registered. In total, 251,789 have been infected since the start of the pandemic.

Sunday 5 July 2020

The Ministry of Health in Spain has announced that it will not update the coronavirus data until tomorrow.

The Government of Catalonia has ordered the isolation of the almost 210,000 inhabitants of the region of Segrià, including its capital Lleida, for a minimum of two weeks. The Segrià region currently has an infection rate of 149 per 100,000 inhabitants. This is many times higher than the Spanish average infection rate of 8.76, the Catalonia rate of 7.2 and the Barcelona average which falls between 3 and 4. Segrià is predominantly agricultural and eight outbreaks have been registered in the area in recent weeks linked to infections among seasonal fruit pickers. The mayor of Lleida acknowledged today that many of the seasonal workers are housed in unsanitary conditions, with some sleeping on the street. Most of them are young and asymptomatic, hired and paid by the day so continue to work if feeling ill.

Saturday 4 July 2020

The Ministry of Health in Spain has announced that it will not update the coronavirus data until next Monday.

Friday 3 July 2020

The Ministry of Health in Spain has registered 21 deaths from coronavirus in the last week. Seventeen new deaths have been reported today, with the official coronavirus death toll now at 28,385. 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 number of infections diagnosed by PCR in the last 24 hours is 174, an increase compared to yesterday when 134 were registered. In total, 250,545 have been infected since the start of the pandemic.

Thursday 2 July 2020

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 in Spain has registered 24 deaths from coronavirus in the last week. Five new deaths have been reported today, with the official coronavirus death toll now at 28,368.

The number of infections diagnosed by PCR in the last 24 hours is 134, a decrease compared to yesterday when 149 were registered. In total, 250,103 have been infected since the start of the pandemic.

Wednesday 1 July 2020

The Ministry of Health in Spain has registered 19 deaths from coronavirus in the last week. Eight new deaths have been reported today, with the official coronavirus death toll now at 28,363.

The number of infections diagnosed by PCR in the last 24 hours is 149, an increase compared to yesterday when 99 were registered. In total, 249,659 have been infected since the start of the pandemic.

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UK FCO Advice Saturday, December 21st, 2024: FCO advises against all non-essential travel to Spain

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