HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

Updated: 18/05/2022 @13:40 GMT+1

Below you will find the latest news, updates and official advice on the Coronavirus outbreak and how it affects citizens living in Spain.

For further information on the Covid-19 Coronavirus, you can download our free guide which contains answers to some of the most common questions and how to prevent being infected. Download the guide here.

Since the discovery at the end of December 2019 in Wuhan, China, the virus has infected over 520,102,852 and killed at least 6,268,956 people so far, with numbers growing daily.

It is important that you keep up to date on the latest developments and guidance, including how to avoid contracting the virus, prevent the spread and what to do if you experience any of the symptoms.

We will be updating the page as new information becomes available. Please be sure to share with your friends and family to help keep them informed.

Current Situation Spain

As of 18th May 2022 (@ 13:40 GMT+1), the Spanish Health Ministry has reported a total of 12.179.234 confirmed cases with 105,642 deaths.

Below you can see the current number of infections and fatalities for each region of Spain as reported by the Spanish Health Ministry.

Andalucía 1.478.534 (13.561 Deaths)
Aragón 424.602 (4.748 Deaths)
Asturias 229.332 (2.796 Deaths)
Baleares 286.083 (1.373 Deaths)
Canarias 364.996 (1.739 Deaths)
Cantabria 140.593 (841 Deaths)
Castilla La Mancha 520.132 (7.271 Deaths)
Castilla y León 740.971 (8.595 Deaths)
Cataluña 2.441.774 (19.128 Deaths)
Ceuta 21.544 (152 Deaths)
C. Valenciana 1.420.911 (9.332 Deaths)
Extremadura 270.744 (2.360 Deaths)
Galicia 644.998 (3.422 Deaths)
Madrid 1.704.832 (18.711 Deaths)
Melilla 21.537 (154 Deaths)
Murcia 424.321 (2.299 Deaths)
Navarra 239.819 (1.561 Deaths)
País Vasco 704.874 (6.677 Deaths)
La Rioja 98.637 (922 Deaths)

Total 12.179.234 (Cases) / 105,642 (Deaths)

Vaccinations Administered In Spain

As of 18/05/2022, a total of 96,806,103 vaccine doses have been administered with 39,059,866 (92.6%) fully vaccinated.

For all the latest vaccination news, please see the official page below.

https://www.vacunacovid.gob.es/

Frequently Asked Questions Coronavirus (COVID-19)

What is the Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a broad family of viruses that usually affect animals, however, some have the ability to be transmitted from animals to humans.

The virus is known to cause respiratory infections such as the common cold to more severe conditions such as MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome).

The virus discovered in Wuhan, China has been named SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2)

The virus was given this name as it is genetically related to the Coronavirus that lead to the SARS outbreak in 2003.

The condition or disease that it leads to is referred to as COVID-19.

Who is most at risk from the Coronavirus?

Although health authorities are still learning about COVID-19 and how it impacts our health, we do know that certain people are more at risk than others.

The elderly, those with low immunity including those with pre-existing medical conditions (heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure) are more at risk and appear to develop serious illnesses more than others.

What are the signs and symptoms?

The symptoms produced from the Coronavirus are similar to those experienced with the common cold and flu. These include a sore throat, fever, cough, headaches and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, this can lead to Pneumonia, renal failure or death for those who are more vulnerable.

What is the Incubation Period?

The incubation period for the COVID-19 Coronavirus is between 1 and 14 days with an average of around 5 days. This is the amount of time that it usually takes for the symptoms of the virus to be displayed after the initial infection.

How does the Coronavirus spread?

The virus can spread from person to person via droplets from either the nose or mouth. These droplets are spread when a person coughs or sneezes and can be breathed in by others. This is why it is important to keep at least one metre between yourself and anyone who may be infected.

If the droplets land on a surface, others can become infected by touching the surface and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth, transferring the virus to themselves.

How can I avoid getting the Coronavirus?

The Spanish Health Ministry and World Health Organisation advise the following in order to reduce your chances of infection:-

• Avoid contact with anyone that shows signs of having a respiratory disease such as coughing and sneezing. Try to keep a distance of over one metre.
• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, especially after being in contact with a sick person. A prior clean with an alcohol-based scrub is also advised.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as once the hands are infected, the virus can then be transferred through to the body.
• Cover your nose and mouth if coughing and sneezing to prevent infecting others.
• No special precautions are required with food and animals.
• Stay at home if you are unwell and self-isolate. If you have any of the symptoms of Coronavirus, seek medical attention immediately.

The following video from the WHO explains how to protect yourself and others from the spreading the Coronavirus https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

What should I do if I think I have been infected?

If you are experiencing symptoms of the Coronavirus, make sure you protect others by coughing and sneezing into a tissue and disposing of it into a closed bin. You should also wash your hands frequently with an alcohol-based scrub and soap and water.

Make sure that you stay at home and avoid mixing with other people.

Call your health practitioner as soon as possible and share any information with them including whether you have recently travelled.

Is there a vaccine for Coronavirus?

There is no current vaccine, however, the WHO is currently working with partners to develop a vaccine and medications to treat and prevent COVID-19.

For further information on the Covid-19 Coronavirus, you can download our free guide which contains answers to some of the most common questions and how to prevent being infected. Download the guide here.

Official Advice from the Spanish Ministry of Health and WHO

Below you can see the latest information and advice from Spain’s Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation.

WHO (Situation Reports) - https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports/

WHO (Coronavirus Dashboard) - https://covid19.who.int/

Spain Ministry of Health - https://www.mscbs.gob.es/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov/home.htm 

Spain Vaccination Updates - https://www.mscbs.gob.es/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov/vacunaCovid19.htm

Spain Ministry of Health (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/sanidadgob

Latest Coronavirus News Stories Related To Spain

Spain Officially Approves The End Of Wearing Masks Indoors From April 20 - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1457-spain-officially-approves-the-end-of-wearing-masks-indoors.html 

Spain’s Government Wants To Remove Mask Restrictions Indoors Before Easter - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1446-spains-government-wants-to-remove-mask-restrictions-easter.html

Spain To Drop Covid-19 Self-Isolation For Asymptomatic And Mild Cases - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1432-spain-to-drop-covid-19-self-isolation-asymptomatic-mild-cases.html

Spain's Covid Infections Fall By 50% In One Day - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1405-spains-covid-infections-fall-by-50-per-cent-in-just-one-day.html 

Spain's Covid Incidence Rate Drops Below 2,000 For First Time This Year - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1390-spains-covid-incidence-rate-drops-below-2000-first-time-this-year.html

Spain Extends Restrictions On Travellers From The EU And Schengen Countries - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/spain-news/1389-spain-extends-restrictions-on-travellers-from-the-eu-schengen-area.html

Spain Approves Raising Capacity Limits At Sporting Venues - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/spain-news/1387-spain-approves-raising-capacity-limits-at-sporting-venues.html

Covid Rates Drop Across All Regions Of Spain - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1382-covid-rates-drop-across-all-regions-of-spain.html

Spain Reduces Antigen Validity Period For Travellers From 48 To 24 Hours - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/spain-news/1381-spain-reduces-antigen-validity-period-for-travellers.html

Covid Travel Tests Axed For England And Scotland For Fully Vaccinated Travellers - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/spain-news/1376-covid-travel-tests-axed-for-england-scotland-for-fully-vaccinated-travellers.html

Covid Pandemic Is Reaching Its ‘Endgame’ Says WHO - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1375-covid-pandemic-is-reaching-its-endgame-says-who.html

Spain Rules Out Giving Covid Booster Jab To Children Under 18 - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1372-spain-rules-out-giving-booster.html 

Spain’s Covid Incidence Rate Falls For The First Time Since November - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1370-spains-covid-incidence-rate-falls-for-the-first-time-since-november.html

Spain Reaching Covid Sixth Wave Peak Official Data Reveals - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1368-spain-reaching-covid-sixth-wave-peak-official-data-reveals.html

Spain’s Government Sets Maximum Price Of An Antigen Test To 2.94 Euros - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1365-spains-government-sets-maximum-price-of-an-antigen-test.html

Spain Will Adapt Influenza Surveillance System To Track Covid Infections - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1359-spain-will-adapt-influenza-surveillance-system-to-track-covid-infections.html 

Spain Records Highest Covid Incidence Rate In Europe - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1354-spain-records-highest-covid-incidence-rate-in-europe.html

Spain Reduces Covid Quarantine Period From 10 To 7 Days - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1351-spain-reduces-covid-quarantine-period-from-10-to-7-days.html

Spain Registers More Than 6 Million Covid Infections As Omicron Cases Surge - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1350-spain-registers-more-than-6-million-covid-infections-as-omicron-cases-surge.html 

Covid Passports Now Mandatory At Andalucian Hospitality Venues - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/spain-news/1346-covid-passports-now-mandatory-at-andalucian-hospitality-venues.html

Spain Faces Christmas Week With Doubts Over New Restrictions - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/spain-news/1345-spain-faces-christmas-week-with-doubts-over-new-restrictions.html

Spain’s PM In Emergency Talks With Regional Leaders To Discuss New Covid-19 Measures - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1344-spains-pm-in-emergency-talks-with-regional-leaders-to-discuss-covid-measures.html

UK Rolls Out NHS Covid Pass For 12 To 15-Year-Olds For International Travel - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1343-uk-rolls-out-nhs-covid-pass-for-12-to-15-year-olds-international-travel.html

Spain Considers Covid Booster Jab For 50 To 59 Year Olds - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1341-spain-considers-covid-booster-jab-for-50-to-59-year-olds.html 

Spain Prepares To Vaccinate 5 To 11-Year-Olds: What Are The Plans Of Each Region? - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1339-spain-prepares-to-vaccinate-5-to-11-year-olds.html

Spain Close To Breaching The ‘High Risk’ Covid Alert Level Threshold - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1335-spain-close-to-breaching-the-high-risk-covid-alert-level-threshold.html 

Spain Approves Vaccination Of Under 12s And Will Start From December 15 - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1332-spain-approves-vaccination-of-under-12s-and-will-start-december-15.html

Spanish Government Rules Out Compulsory Vaccinations As Infections Soar - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1330-spanish-government-rules-out-compulsory-vaccinations-as-infections-soar.html

Madrid Will Be First Region To Vaccinate Under 12s From December 15 - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1329-madrid-first-region-to-vaccinate-under-12s.html

First Case Of The Omicron Covid Variant Confirmed In Spain - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1323-first-case-of-the-omicron-covid-variant-confirmed-in-spain.html

Scientists Fear New Covid ‘Super Variant’ Could Be Worse Than Delta - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1320-scientists-fear-new-covid-super-variant-could-be-worse-than-delta.html

Sanitas & HealthPlan Policy Holders Are Covered For Coronavirus

All Sanitas HealthPlan policyholders are fully covered if they are infected by the Covid-19 Coronavirus and require medical treatment as a result.

If you are living in Spain and are looking for private health cover for yourself and your loved ones, please check out our range of expat health insurance plans.

All of our health plans are in English, are underwritten by BUPA and provide you with access to an experienced team of native English speaking advisers.