THREE NEW INFECTIONS IN XÀBIA BUT REGIONAL DATA IS ENCOURAGING

Xàbia has recorded three new COVID-19 infections over the weekend, taking the total number to 157 since the health crisis began earlier this year. However the accumulated infection rate per 100,000 people over the past 14 days has dropped from 21,74 to 18,11 and there have been no new deaths, the total number remaining at three.

Across the Marina Alta region, which is administered by the health authority based in Dénia, there have been nine new infections, a decrease of five on the previous available data (Oct 8), according to data provided by the Valencian health authority, bringing the accumulated total to 1.370.

They are:

• Xàbia – 3
• Calp -2
• Dénia – 2
• Gorgos de Gata – 1
• Teulada – 1

The accumulated infection rate for the whole of the Marina Alta stands at 17,94 per 100,000 (14 days), well below the figure of 95,19 for the whole of the Comunidad Valenciana, a rate which is only bettered by the Canary Islands.

At the other end of the scale, Navarra is still struggling to reduce the spread of infection (746,09 per 100,000), well ahead of the enclave of Melilla (505,28) and the Region of Madrid (501,58) which has now entered a 15-day lockdown to try and reduce its figures.

Navarra imposes restrictions to reduce Spain’s worst regional data

From today, bars and restaurants in Navarra will have to close by 10pm and their capacities have been reduced to 30% indoors and 50% on the terrace. Social gatherings have also been restricted to six people, indoors or outside.

Whilst the data shows that the region is in a worse position than Madrid, which is now under a 15-day state of alarm, the Navarra region is doing better on other key indicators such as the percentage of PCR tests returning positive (11% versus 18%) and on ICU beds occupied by COVID-19 patients (23% versus nearly 40%).

Granada could be next for lockdown

Videos emerging from Granada of young people, many of whom were not wearing face masks and ignoring social distancing, gathering in the streets for an imprompu party after the bars had closed have backed up the regional government’s announcement that the city could be placed into a lockdown very soon. Police also had to deal with more than 300 calls reporting illegal outdoor drinking sessions – botellones – and house parties in the city.

The 14-day accumulated infection rate for the city has risen above 500 per 100,000 people, a spike that the regional government has linked to the start of the university year. The city hosts more than 40,000 students spread across more than 50 university residencies and three recent outbreaks have been linked – but not confirmed – to three of those residencies.

It is not known when and what restrictions the regional government will place on Granada but it is clear that it has to act soon, given the relatively young population of the city; some 20% are under 20 years of age.

Catalonia poised to act as cases increase at an alarming rate

The authorities in Catalonia have warned that there are “tough weeks ahead” for its population as new cases rise at an alarming rate across the region.

Since most transmission is taking place within the 20-to-29 years age group, the authorities have already requested that businesses allow their employees work from home and that universities to offer remote learning.