Spanish health officials concerned by spike in COVID-19 cases

Spain has seen an increase in COVID-19 cases, with the 14-day average of infections per 100,000 residents climbing to 152.8, according to the latest data provided by Spanish health authorities. EURACTIV’s partner EFE reports.  

Spain recorded 12,563 new infections and 27 additional deaths in the last 24 hours, reflecting the spread of the more virulent COVID-19 Delta variant, the Spanish health ministry reported on Friday (2 July).

The total number of infections since the start of the pandemic has topped 3.8 million and the virus has killed 80,910 people in Spain. The daily increase is at its highest level since mid-April, the Spanish health ministry said.

So far, the increase in infections, mainly affecting unvaccinated people under 50, has not led to a corresponding rise in hospitalisations.

Spain’s progress on vaccination and a decline in infections in the past few months has encouraged the government to relax restrictions.

Nearly 39% of the Spanish population, 18.5 million people, have been fully vaccinated, while 54.7% of inhabitants have had at least one shot. 

[Edited by Paula Kenny]

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