ARCHIVED - Coronavirus lockdown extension expected until at least 12th April in Spain but NOT confirmed

There are many reports on social media stating this as fact, but NOTHING HAS BEEN CONFIRMED OFFICIALLY YET

Spaniards are likely to be confined in their homes at least until after Easter

As the numbers of confirmed coronavirus cases and associated fatalities continue to rise exponentially in Spain there is widespread expectation that during Friday the national government will extend the nationwide lockdown period until at least 12^th April, amplifying to from 2 to 4 weeks.

The effect of this would be to include Holy Week in the period during which Spaniards are ruling out the possibility that people might attempt to make use of the Easter holidays to travel to other parts of the country as they usually do at this time of year, when the Costas welcome millions of city dwellers enjoying their first opportunity to sunbathe on the beach after the winter.

In theory it will not be until next week that the Cabinet meets to discuss the possibility of extending the lockdown, but almost from the moment the state of emergency was decreed last weekend it appeared inevitable that the initial 2-week duration would be insufficient. Now, with the virus spreading ever more rapidly and the expectation being that the number of patients is unlikely to peak much before mid-April, it is hard to believe that the government is even considering relaxing the restrictions on movement to which all of those living in Spain are gradually becoming accustomed.

Medical professionals all over Spain, including those at the national Ministry of Health are openly stating that they believe the virus will not peak for at least 2 more weeks, some are saying three weeks, so it is not realistic to expect the lockdown to be removed until the virus is under control, otherwise the whole exercise will have been pointless.

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What to do if you are in the Region of Murcia and believe you may have contracted the virus

The regional government has set up a special helpline to supply information to members of the public (900 121212), and also urges people to call the 112 emergency services line if they suspect that they may have contracted the virus rather than going straight to hospital or to a medical centre. Medical staff will be sent to your home to test for the virus.

The Region’s public hospitals have limited the number of visitors to just one per patient.

Sensible precautions

The advice being issued to members of the public by medical authorities all over the world coincides on the following points:

- Wash hands frequently with either soap and water or a sanitiser gel

- Catch coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues – and throw the tissues away immediately after use before immediately washing your hands!

- If you don’t have a tissue, use your sleeve – and wash the item of clothing used at the next opportunity

- AVOID touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

- AVOID close contact with people who are unwell

- Don´t panic!