Spain extends state of emergency by 2 weeks starting Sunday

Spain has extended the state of emergency imposed to combat the coronavirus pandemic for two more weeks from Sunday, allowing the government to control people’s movements as it gradually relaxes a national lockdown.

Parliament approved the measure on Wednesday after Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who heads a fragile coalition government, mustered enough support from opposition parties to carry the vote, Reuters said.

Spain, where more than 25,000 people have died due to Covid-19, has been under a lockdown since March 14. The current state of emergency was due to end at midnight on Saturday.

Although the situation is improving, Sanchez says it is necessary to maintain some restrictions on movement to keep the infection at bay.