The Government will impose movement restrictions: people may only leave their homes for essential reasons

It is official: the state of alarm has been declared in Spain after Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez made the announcement yesterday. This measure can be applied by a country’s leader in exceptional circumstances of great importance, the spread of the coronavirus being one of them. But what does this state of emergency really entail, and which aspects does it affect? After the meeting of the Council of Ministers we will know every detail, but we can anticipate that it will mean an absolute lockdown except in cases of essential need.

Indeed, the Spanish Government has begun acting to curb the aggressive spread of COVID-19, a virus that has left more than 5,000 infected and more than 130 dead in its wake. Without a doubt, these figures are alarming and must be contained at all costs. With this in mind, the state of alarm aims to act as a lethal weapon against the spread of the coronavirus during the 15 days it will remain in effect.

This preventive measure affects everyone equally and requires us to stay in our respective homes for the established period. However, the Government may apply it to the whole country or only to specific regions; although the current circumstances mean its action will be nationwide.

But what does the state of alarm really entail? Although we will not be able to leave our homes during the 15 days it remains in effect, there will be some situations that do allow us to do so. These are limited to buying food and pharmaceutical products, going to work that cannot be done from home, visiting medical centres or banks, or caring for minors, the elderly and dependent persons.

In this way, the use of vehicles may also be restricted, to be used exclusively for these essential or force majeure circumstances. Roads could be closed to prevent the spread of the virus and to limit private transport to the situations we have just listed. Furthermore, the presence of people on the streets could also be subject to specific hours and locations. Leisure venues such as theatres, cinemas, bars, cafés and shopping centres will remain closed until further notice.

Should the confinement be breached, the State could sanction such action, which endangers not only the individual but the whole country. However, if this situation causes greater harm or damages to citizens subject to quarantine, compensation could be claimed.