Pandemic Out Of Control in Parts of Spain, Health Minister Says

(Bloomberg) -- The spread of coronavirus is out of control in certain parts of Spain, according to Health Minister Salvador Illa.

“We are in the middle of a second wave, it’s no longer a threat but rather a reality,” Illa said in an interview on Madrid-based Onda Cero radio. “In some parts of our country the epidemic isn’t under control, so we need to take more drastic measures.”

Spain on Wednesday became the first country in Western Europe to surpass 1 million coronavirus infections, as authorities struggle to control fresh outbreaks and contemplate a curfew for the capital Madrid and its surrounding area.

While the infection rate in Madrid is slowing it’s still worryingly high, Illa said. Because of this, the national government is working with local authorities on measures to be announced Friday given that a state of emergency imposed on the region is set to expire, he said.

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