Spanish Health Minister, Salvador Illa, Monday rejected calls for a return to a strict round-the-clock curfew, like the one seen earlier this year, saying it would not be a necessary step to contain the country's surging coronavirus caseload.
Spain has already tightened rules on social contacts and imposed night-time curfews in many regions.
Stricter restrictions are not currently planned, Illa said in comments carried by the El Pais and La Vanguardia newspapers, adding that authorities will first assess the effect of the measures already in place.
Illa's comments follow an appeal by the Regional head of government in the North-western Asturias region for a stricter curfew, as the health system there comes close to being dangerously overwhelmed.
A regional government does not have the power to impose stricter restrictions, only parliament. Spain has been one of the European countries hardest hit by the pandemic.
On Thursday, parliament approved the extension of a nationwide state of alarm - the third-highest state of emergency - until at least May 9.
However, Illa has said that the state of alarm in the form passed by parliament does not allow curfews, during which people are only allowed to leave their homes for urgent reasons.
Parliament would need to approve any corresponding change.
Latest Stories
-
Nana Ama Mcbrown to host Ghana to the World concert in USA
7 mins -
It’ll be good if Bawumia is elected President – Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs President
15 mins -
Anti-Gay bill suit: Supreme Court grants Richard Sky’s request to amend application
15 mins -
Procurement chamber trains private contractors and suppliers on accurate tender procedures
21 mins -
Otumfuo’s words have been key – Kotoko forward Mukwala on team’s resurgence
25 mins -
We created a room for Botsio to be comfortable – Azamati on running third leg
29 mins -
EC’s limited voter registration got off slowly due to inadequate publicity – Otokunor
30 mins -
T-bills: Government borrowed GH¢15.60bn in April 2024
47 mins -
Two busted for attempting to smuggle 130 bags of cocoa beans to Togo
53 mins -
April 2024 inflation declines marginally to 25 percent
1 hour -
Ian Gelder: Game of Thrones actor who played Kevan Lannister dies aged 74
1 hour -
Current players of Kotoko do not deserve to play for the club – Augustine Ahinful
1 hour -
2024 polls: Bawumia’s humility and policies good for Ghana – Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs President
1 hour -
Your policies are good for Ghana’s next generation – Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs to Bawumia
1 hour -
Ghanaian clubs need financial support to perform at continental stage – Coach Zito
2 hours