Spain’s 14-Day Covid Infection Rate Falls Below 1,000 For First Time This Year
Health News
Published: 18 February 2022 16:27 CET
Official Covid figures released on Thursday, February 17, show that Spain’s 14-day incidence rate has dropped below 1,000 cases per 100,000 inhabitants for the first time in 2022.
The Spanish Ministry of Health reported 34,213 new Covid-19 infections, bringing the total number of people infected since the start of the pandemic to 10,778.607.
On Wednesday, February 16, Spain’s 14-day cumulative incidence rate stood at 1,060.46 cases per 100,000 people, dropping to 984.33 cases on Thursday.
According to the daily report that was led by the Minister of Health Carolina Darias, this is the first time since December 23 2021, that the incidence rate has dropped below 1,000.
Sadly, a further 360 Covid deaths were also registered, raising Spain's official death toll to 97,710.
Hospitalisations
Across Spain, there are presently 10,251 Covid patients occupying a hospital bed, which equates to 8.25 per cent.
A total of 1,351 patients are occupying a bed in the Intensive Care Units, which equals 14.48 per cent. A figure that is below the 15 per cent dividing line between ‘medium’ and ‘high’ risk.
Face masks restrictions lifted
The latest report comes just days after the restrictions on the wearing of face masks was lifted.
On Friday, February 4th, the Spanish government decided that from Thursday, February 10, 2022, the wearing of a face mask in outdoor public spaces should no longer be mandatory.
However, according to the BOE state bulletin which explains the regulations, there are still situations in outdoor public settings where those over six years of age have to wear a face mask.
For example at open-air transport platforms for train, tramway, metro etc and at large, crowded events that are held in the open air where it’s not possible to maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from others if seated, or in all cases where attendees are standing up. This includes concerts and sporting events.
Although it isn’t compulsory to wear a face mask outside, Spain’s Health Ministry recommends one should be worn if you are walking along a crowded street where you can’t keep a 1.5 metre distance from others.
Spanish regions are also currently deciding whether or not school children should have to wear face masks when playing in the playground, with a majority of regional authorities favouring to scrap the face mask-wearing rule.
It is important to remember, however, that it continues to be mandatory to wear a face mask in all indoor areas, except when you are eating and drinking or taking part in any other activity which is incompatible with wearing a mask.
Vaccination campaign
As for Spain’s vaccination campaign, to date, a total of 92,022,504 vaccines have now been administered across the country.
A total of 39,160,886 residents have received a single dose, while 38,396,333 or 91% of the adult population have received two doses, giving them full protection against the virus.
Source
https://twitter.com/sanidadgob
https://www.sanidad.gob.es/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov/documentos/Actualizacion_566_COVID-19.pdf
https://www.surinenglish.com/spain/spains-ministry-health-20220217200248-nt.html
Image Credit: La Moncloa Flickr
