Balearics Face Further Lockdown

Neighbourhoods in the party island of Ibiza have been set to enter in a second lockdown one week after four others were placed in quarantine as the region suffers a second wave of COVID-19.

The announcement of the new confinement was made at a local government hearing yesterday (Tuesday).

The new lockdowns will affect neighbourhoods in two tourist areas of the popular Spanish destinations located in the autonomous community of the Balaeric Islands and will take effect at 22:00 on Friday 18th September.

The neighbourhoods entering quarantine include the popular area of Sant Antoni y Vila located on the party island of Ibiza – known for its bustling nightlife and large natural harbour.

The other area entering the new lockdown is the Arquitecte Bennazar Avenue – known for its beautiful architecture – in the autonomous community’s capital city of Palma.

Locals living in the neighbourhoods will not be allowed to leave them unless it is for work or health reasons.

They will, however, be allowed to leave their homes and stay within their area while following the standard health measures instated by the government such as wearing face masks.

Balearic Islands President Francina Armengol, who made the announcement at the hearing, said the measures are “difficult decisions that no one likes and demand more sacrifice on behalf of the citizens” but they “give results” and will help stop the virus “sooner”.

However, Armengol was optimistic saying doctors are “more prepared” because they “know more about the disease and how to treat it” adding that citizens are also “proving once again that they are up to the task”.

The news comes after four neighbourhoods in the same region entered lockdown on Friday 11th September.

Around 23,000 people were forced to remain in confinement in the neighbourhoods of Son Gotleu, Can Capes, northern La Soledat and half of Son Canals in Palma which accounts for about five percent of the city.

According to the latest numbers, there are 318 people hospitalised in the Balearic Islands for the disease with 6,577 active cases according to the numbers provided by the local government yesterday (Tuesday).