HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

Updated: 25/05/2020 @ 09:00 GMT+1 - updates are currently suspended until further notice.

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 5,512,764 and killed at least 346,867 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, preventing 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 25th May 2020 (@ 09:00 GMT+2), the Spanish Health Ministry has reported a total of 235,772 cases with 28,752 deaths.

Below you can see the current numbers for each region of Spain as reported by the Spanish Health Ministry.

Andalucía 12600 (1391 Deaths)
Aragón 5646 (858 Deaths)
Asturias 2397 (308 Deaths)
Baleares 2041 (222 Deaths)
Canarias 2322 (157 Deaths)
Cantabria 2289 (209 Deaths)
Castilla-La Mancha 16889 (2940 Deaths)
Castilla y León 18789 (1961 Deaths)
Cataluña 57148 (6701 Deaths)
Ceuta 124 (4 Deaths)
C. Valenciana 11073 (1393 Deaths)
Extremadura 3047 (506 Deaths)
Galicia 9105 (613 Deaths)
Madrid 67871 (8977 Deaths)
Melilla 121 (2 Deaths)
Murcia 1579 (149 Deaths)
Navarra 5219 (509 Deaths)
País Vasco 13476 (1494 Deaths)
La Rioja 4036 (358 Deaths)

Total 235,772 (Cases) / 28,752 (Deaths)

Current Situation Worldwide

According to the WHO (World Health Organization) Situation Reports as of 25th May 2020 (09:00 GMT+1) there have been 5,512,764 confirmed cases globally with 346,867 deaths.

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 advises 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/
Spain Ministry of Health - https://www.mscbs.gob.es/profesionales/saludPublica/ccayes/alertasActual/nCov-China/home.htm 
Spain Ministry of Health (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/sanidadgob

Latest Coronavirus News Stories Related To Spain

Spain's Four Phase Plan To Lift Lockdown Explained - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/spain-news/940-spains-four-phase-plan-to-lift-lockdown-explained.html

Spanish PM Gets Last-Minute Support To Extend State Of Alarm - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/spain-news/939-spanish-pm-gets-last-minute-support-to-extend-state-of-alarm.html

Study Predicts Spain Will Be Free From Coronavirus By September - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/spain-news/938-study-predicts-spain-free-from-coronavirus-september.html

Budget Airline To Resume Flights Despite Coronavirus Restrictions - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/spain-news/937-budget-airline-to-resume-flights-despite-coronavirus-restrictions.html

Elderly Walks Allowed In Relaxation Of Lockdown Restrictions - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/spain-news/936-elderly-walks-allowed-in-relaxation-of-lockdown-restrictions-in-spain.html

Spain Plans Universal Basic Income To Deal With Economic Impact - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/spain-news/922-spain-plans-universal-basic-income-to-deal-with-economic-downturn.html

Coronavirus And How It Affects The Elderly - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-tips/920-coronavirus-how-it-affects-the-elderly.html

Study Reveals Coronavirus Can Live In Air For Three Hours - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/907-study-reveals-coronavirus-can-live-in-air-for-three-hours.html 

Coronavirus: Who Is Most At Risk? - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/898-coronavirus-who-is-most-at-risk.html

Map of the coronavirus in Spain -  https://www.20minutos.es/noticia/4171263/0/mapa-coronavirus-espana-evolucion-contagios-recuperados/

RTVE Coronavirus Map of Spain: https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20200302/mapa-del-coronavirus-espana/2004681.shtml

Latest Travel Advice From UK Government - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus

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.