Spain's 'drastic' lockdown banning people from leaving home

Spain has followed Italy by imposing a near total nationwide lockdown to fight the spread of coronavirus by banning people from leaving home except to go to work, get medical care or buy food.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the restrictions on movement following a huge spike in the number of infections in this nation of some 46 million people.

They are among the measures introduced as part of a 15-day state of emergency officially declared by his government on Saturday.

Spain confirmed more than 1,500 new cases of coronavirus since Friday evening, raising its total to 5,753 cases, the second-highest number in Europe after Italy. The disease has so far claimed 183 lives in Spain.

‘We will win this battle’

"The prohibition to circulate in the streets... must be followed starting today," Prime Minister Sanchez said in a televised address after a cabinet meeting that lasted more than seven hours.

Spaniards may leave home to go to work, "buy bread", go to the pharmacy and get medical care but "not to go have dinner at a friend’s house", he added.

Coronavirus or COVID-19 infections and deaths in Spain since Feb 1. As of March 14.
Coronavirus infections and deaths in Spain from February 1 to March 14. Source: AFP

Police would ensure the restrictions on people's movements are obeyed, the prime minister said.

"The measures which we have adopted are drastic and will unfortunately have consequences ... but our hand will not shake to prevail against the virus," Sanchez added.

"We will win this battle ... but it is important that the price we pay for this victory be as little as possible."

All stores except for pharmacies and supermarkets will close nationwide, the premier said.

A woman wears a protective mask as she leaves a pharmacy
All stores in Spain except for pharmacies and supermarkets will close nationwide for 15 days. Source: Getty

Madrid's streets deserted

Bars, restaurants and all shops except for supermarkets had already shut on Saturday for two weeks in the Madrid region, which accounts for over half of all infections.

Most regional governments in Spain had already followed the example of Madrid and closed their schools.

Spain's response to the coronavirus has so far had wide differences between regions due to the countries complex system of sharing power between the central government and regional governments, which control education and health issues.

But by declaring a state of emergency, Sanchez's government has the power to take over healthcare and use security forces to enforce orders.

This humourous poster by artist TVBoy in Barcelona
This humourous poster by artist TVBoy in Barcelona effectively became official policy across Spain after the prime minister's announcement. Source: AFP

It is only the second time that the government has evoked it since the country returned to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975.

The other time was during a 2010 air traffic controllers' strike.

Sanchez warned Friday that the number of infections could reach 10,000 in the coming days in Spain.

In response to an appeal made on social media, many residents of the went to their balconies and windows at 10pm to applaud and cheer the healthcare workers dealing with the crisis.

People applaud Spanish health workers during a COVID-19 emergency in Spain
Many residents went to their balconies and windows to applaud and cheer the healthcare workers dealing with the crisis. Source: Getty

Eerie calm descends on Spanish capital

An eerie calm descended on the Spanish capital on Saturday as people obeyed the strict measures imposed by the regional government.

"It is distressing when we are so used to seeing a crowd here," Paco Higueras, a restaurant employee, said as he cast his gaze at the nearly deserted Puerta del Sol square in central Madrid.

Public spaces such as the Plaza Mayor in central Madrid have already largely emptied. Source: AFP
Plaza Mayor in central Madrid, which is usually bustling with locals and tourists. Source: AFP

The spot, one of the city's main tourist landmarks, is usually bustling on a Saturday. But it was already deserted as people obeyed restrictions already in place in the Madrid region.

All major Madrid museums, including the Prado, which displays masterpieces by Francisco Goya and Diego Velazquez; and the Reina Sofia, home to Pablo Picasso's anti-war masterpiece "Guernica", have already closed.

Earlier Saturday, the mayor of Seville announced that the southern city's famous Holy Week processions featuring hooded penitents would be cancelled because of the outbreak of the virus.

MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 14: A man wears a protective mask as he walks along Plaza Mayor Square on March 14, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. The Spanish government has declared a state of emergency and is imposing a 15 day nationwide lockdown to control the spread of the novel coronavirus.  Nonessential businesses will have to close temporarily. (Photo by Pablo Blazquez Dominguez/Getty Images). Source: Getty
Tourist landmarks like the Plaza Mayor Square remain virtually deserted. Source: Getty

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