Spain declares ‘state of alarm’ over coronavirus

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 Monday, March 16, 2020 - 12:54

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared a national "state of alarm" on Friday, giving his government the power to take extraordinary steps to address the coronavirus pandemic.

As of noon on Friday, Spain had confirmed 4,209 cases of coronavirus and registered 120 deaths.

During extreme situations — among them health crises — Article 116 of the Spanish Constitution allows the executive to declare a state of alarm, a measure that enables it to prohibit the free movement of people throughout the country and to take all steps required to guarantee the supply of food to the nation's markets.

It also allows the government to take over the means of production, impose rations and requisition goods.

The state of alarm lasts for 15 days but can be extended with the Spanish parliament's approval. - politicoEU

16-03-2020 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR