New COVID measures in Spain's Catalonia region face pushback

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ANKARA (AA) – New COVID-19 restrictions in Spain’s Catalonia region got pushback from the judiciary on Thursday.

The prosecutor's office in the northwestern region argued against the government's request to impose a curfew and limit meetings to no more than 10 people.

In a written message to the High Court of Justice of Catalonia, the office said such restrictions on fundamental rights are "severe, extensive, very restrictive" and not "necessary."

The Catalan government requires judicial approval to impose such restrictions.

However, opposition to the new restrictions came just a day after Spain recorded its highest number of virus cases since the pandemic began, with over 60,000.

The previous all-time high of 49,000 daily infections was hit on Tuesday, surpassing the previous all-time high set in January.

Omicron and an uptick in social activity around the holiday season are likely behind the skyrocketing number of COVID-19 cases.

Despite a record number of cases, Spain's central government is relying on vaccines and masks to combat the new COVID-19 wave, rather than restricting social activities.

Meanwhile, Spain’s Cabinet on Thursday approved a requirement to wear masks outdoors – a restriction announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez following a meeting with regional leaders on Wednesday.

In Spain, 90% of the population 12 and over has been fully immunized, while 74% of people 60 and over have gotten booster shots.