Catalonian towns return to lockdown after new Covid-19 outbreak

Some 160,000 people in the Spanish region of Catalonia returned to lockdown on Wednesday as authorities attempt to control a new wave of coronavirus infections in the area.

On Tuesday night a judge approved the regional government’s stay-at-home order for residents of the city of Lleida and six nearby towns.

People will now only leave their homes for essential activities like working or buying supplies, while hotels, restaurants and bars will close except for food pick-up or delivery.

The regional government is also keeping an eye out for the capital Barcelona, which has suffered an increase in cases that have tripled in just seven days. The new lockdown comes mere weeks after the central government ended a nationwide lockdown on 21 June.

There are currently more than 170 clusters of the virus that have surged across the country, prompting different local restrictions which are confusing locals and angering businesses.

Other regions, as a response to the new wave, have imposed compulsory mask use at all times regardless of the distance between people. In Galicia there are areas that have already been cut off from visitors.

The holiday period is expected to see an increase in Spaniards and foreign visitors. Spanish authorities stated that early detection will be the key to avoiding mass lockdowns that could destroy the tourism industry.

In Mallorca there are concerns over young tourists that every summer indulge in what is known as “excess tourism”. Worries increased this week after videos emerged of drunk visitors not respecting social distancing rules.