The Spanish government has announced a state of emergency in capital city Madrid so it can resume partial restrictions on movement that were thrown out by a court.
Ministers confirmed the measure after an emergency cabinet meeting to decide how to curb the spread of infections in the Madrid region, which is witnessing one of Europe’s most concerning coronavirus clusters.
Its 14-day infection rate of 563 coronavirus cases per 100,000 residents is more than twice Spain’s national average of 256 and five times the European average of 113 for the week ending September 27.
National government had ordered police to issue fines if residents leave their local areas without justification. The measure covers 4.8 million residents in the capital and nine suburban towns.
However, the regional government opposes the national authority's restrictions, saying they are draconian and hurt the economy.
Regional president Isabel Diaz Ayuso claims more moderate measures are enough to fight the virus.
A Madrid court had initially upheld the regional administration’s legal challenge, saying the national government’s imposition of restrictions violated fundamental liberties.
