Spain declares new state of emergency as COVID infections rise

Spanish Prime Minister on Sunday declared a new state of emergency in an effort to curb rising coronavirus infections, impose local night curfews and in some cases ban travel between regions.

These measures will take effect from Sunday night and require the imposition of an overnight curfew in all areas except the Canary Islands and a restriction on the number of people allowed to meet the six.

“We are living in a serious situation … this is the most serious health crisis of the last century,” he told a news conference after the cabinet meeting.

Catalonia was one of the first areas on Sunday to use the new law to impose a curfew, which goes into effect at 10 p.m. Companies that are open to the public will close at 9 p.m.

Police patrolled the city before the curfew went into effect and locals welcomed the new rule.