HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

Updated: 30/11/2021 @13:00 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 260,867,011 and killed at least 5,200,267 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 30th November 2021 (@ 13:00 GMT+1), the Spanish Health Ministry has reported a total of 5,153,923 confirmed cases with 88,008 deaths.

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

Andalucía 821.926 (11.329 Deaths)
Aragón 169.405 (3.935 Deaths)
Asturias 73.759 (2.087 Deaths)
Baleares 105.524 (1.019 Deaths)
Canarias 103.205 (1.040 Deaths)
Cantabria 48.095 (613 Deaths)
Castilla La Mancha 244.746 (6.523 Deaths)
Castilla y León 309.397 (7.405 Deaths)
Cataluña 961.424 (16.013 Deaths)
Ceuta 7.680 (128 Deaths)
C. Valenciana 531.586 (7.887 Deaths)
Extremadura 104.650 (1.995 Deaths)
Galicia 193.599 (2.662 Deaths)
Madrid 913.604 (16.288 Deaths)
Melilla 11.265 (113 Deaths)
Murcia 146.928 (1.765 Deaths)
Navarra 88.613 (1.262 Deaths)
País Vasco 277.862 (5.039 Deaths)
La Rioja 40.655 (828 Deaths)

Total 5,153,923 (Cases) / 88,008 (Deaths)

Vaccinations Administered In Spain

As of 30/11/2021, a total of 76,123,553 vaccine doses have been administered with 37,586,582 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 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/

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

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

Andalucian Health Bosses Warn Region Will Spend Next Week On Level One - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1319-andalucian-health-bosses-warn-region-will-spend-next-week-on-level-one.html

Costa del Sol Has The Lowest Vaccination Rate In Andalucia With Only 68% Jabbed - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1318-costa-del-sol-has-lowest-vaccination-rate-in-andalucia.html

Spain Sees Covid-19 Infections Double In Just 20 Days - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1311-spain-sees-covid-19-infections-double-in-just-20-days.html

Junta de Andalucia Vaccinates 768,938 With Third Jab As Covid Cases Surge - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1310-andalucia-vaccinates-768938-with-third-jab-as-covid-cases-surge.html

Spain's Daily Covid Infections Climb Higher Reports Health Ministry - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1307-spains-daily-covid-infections-climb-higher-reports-health-ministry.html

Experts Optimistic That Spain Can Avoid A Sixth Coronavirus Wave - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1298-experts-optimistic-that-spain-can-avoid-sixth-coronavirus-wave.html

Spain Begins To Administer Covid-19 Booster Shot To Over 70s - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1277-spain-begins-to-administer-covid-19-booster-shot-over-70s.html

Spain’s Health Minister Hints Indoor Wearing Of Face Masks Will Not Be Eased Until Spring - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1261-spains-health-minister-hints-indoor-wearing-of-face-masks-not-eased-until-spring.html

Spain’s Covid Infection Rate At Lowest Level Since July 2020 - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1260-spains-covid-infection-rate-at-lowest-level-since-july-2020.html

Spain Approves Third Covid Booster Shot For Over 70s - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1254-spain-approves-third-covid-booster-shot-for-over-70s.html 

Andalusia Plans To Vaccinate 5 To 11 Year Olds At The End Of October - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1241-andalusia-plans-to-vaccinate-5-to-11-year-olds-end-october.html

Experts Predict That Spain Will Enter Covid-19 Low Risk Zone In A Week - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1239-experts-predict-that-spain-will-enter-covid-19-low-risk-zone-in-a-week.html

UK Says EU Citizens With Mixed Vaccines ARE Fully Protected - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/spain-news/1238-uk-says-eu-citizens-with-mixed-vaccines-are-fully-protected.html

Spain’s Care Home Residents Will Receive Covid-19 Booster Vaccine - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1231-spains-care-home-residents-will-receive-covid-19-booster-vaccine.html

Spain Double Jabs 35 Million As Covid Cases Fall - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1227-spain-double-jabs-35-million-as-covid-cases-fall.html

Spain Sees Covid Cases Tumble As Deaths Fall Below 100 For The First Time In Three Weeks - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1223-spain-sees-covid-cases-tumble-as-deaths-fall-below-100.html

Spain Tightens Restrictions On Travellers From France And Italy - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/spain-news/1222-spain-tightens-restrictions-on-travellers-from-france-italy.html

Spain Authorises COVID-19 Booster Jab For Those With Weakened Immune Systems - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1219-spain-authorises-covid-19-booster-jab.html

Spain Removes US From Restriction-Free Travel List - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/spain-news/1217-spain-removes-us-from-restriction-free-travel-list.html

Spain's Infection Rate Drops Below 200 As Target For Herd Immunity Moved To 90 Per cent - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1216-spains-infection-rate-drops-below-200.html

Spain Extends Travel Restrictions For Non-EU Countries Until October - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/spain-news/1213-spain-extends-travel-restrictions-for-non-eu-countries-october.html

Over 70 Per Cent Of Spanish Population Now Fully Vaccinated Against Covid - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1211-over-70-per-cent-of-spanish-population-now-fully-vaccinated.html

Spain Will Stop Using Number Of Covid Infections To Measure Pandemic Severity - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1210-spain-will-stop-using-number-of-covid-infections-to-measure-pandemic.html

New South African Covid Strain Not A Variant Of Concern - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1208-new-south-african-covid-strain-not-a-variant-of-concern.html

Spain Ready To Administer A Third Covid Booster Jab - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1204-spain-ready-to-administer-a-third-covid-booster-jab.html

Spain Registers Highest Death Rate Since May As Delta Variant Takes Hold - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1203-spain-registers-highest-death-rate-since-may-as-delta-variant-takes-hold.html

Spain’s Covid Incidence Rate Drops Below 500 For The First Time In A Month - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1192-spains-covid-incidence-rate-drops-below-500.html

Spain Close To Vaccinating 70 Per Cent Of Population Against COVID-19 - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1189-spain-close-to-vaccinating-70-per-cent-of-population.html

Prescription Free Covid Tests Available In Spanish Pharmacies From July 20 - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1180-prescription-free-covid-tests-available-in-spanish-pharmacies-july-20.html

Spanish Regions Impose Curfews As Coronavirus Cases Rise - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/spain-news/1179-spanish-regions-impose-curfews-as-coronavirus-cases-rise.html

New Covid Variants Hit Spain As Government Rules Out Nationwide Restrictions - https://www.healthplanspain.com/blog/health-news/1176-new-covid-variants-hit-spain-government-rules-out-nationwide-restrictions.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.