Covid-19
The latest news and practical advice about Covid-19 in Spain.
Respiratory infections soar in Spain over Christmas as hospitals struggle
Cases of viral respiratory infections such as flu, Covid and bronchitis have shot up over the past few weeks in Spain, putting an enormous strain on hospitals across the country and causing a severe lack of beds.
Covid-19 still causing 1,000 deaths a week in Europe, WHO warns
The World Health Organization's European office warned on Tuesday the risk of Covid-19 has not gone away, saying it was still responsible for nearly 1,000 deaths a week in the region. And the real figure may be much higher.
Health experts advise end of masks on public transport in Spain
Spanish health experts have advised the government that the use of masks should no longer be obligatory on public transport, but no concrete date has yet been set.
Spain now requires Covid certificates for arrivals from China
All passengers arriving from China must now show a valid Covid-19 certificate or negative test to enter Spain, and third-country nationals without one could be denied entry.
UPDATE: How Spain is reacting to China's Covid-19 spike
Following the end of China's zero-Covid policy and a surge in infections in the world's most populous country, the Spanish government has gone back on its initial plan to not introduce new travel restrictions.
Spanish PM tests positive for Covid
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced that he has tested positive for COVID-19.
Catalonia to give automatic five-day sick leave to people with Covid symptoms
The Catalan Health Ministry has introduced a new way of asking for sick leave from work for those with Covid-19 symptoms. The leave will automatically be given for five days, without the need to present a positive test.
Covid face mask rule on flights in Europe set to be eased
The mandatory EU-wide mask requirement for air travel is set to be dropped from Monday, May 16th, but airlines may still require passengers to wear masks on some or all flights
Spanish Nobel laureate Vargas Llosa to head home after beating Covid
Spanish-Peruvian Nobel literature laureate Mario Vargas Llosa has "beaten" Covid and will leave the Madrid clinic where he was being treated to complete his recovery at home, his family tweeted on Monday.
Spain detects cases of new highly contagious XE Covid variant
Just as Spain drops its indoor mask-wearing rules, Spanish health authorities have warned that a new highly contagious but largely unstudied Covid variant has been detected in the country.
TRAVEL: Will Spain change its Covid restrictions ahead of Easter?
As Easter week fast approaches, many residents and tourists are eager to know whether Spain's Covid restrictions will be eased or tightened ahead of the holiday period. Here’s what you need to know about the current infections, restrictions and travel rules and whether they’re likely to change.
First antiviral pills to treat Covid-19 set to be available in Spain
Paxlovid, the oral antiviral pill which helps reduce the risk of hospitalisation from Covid-19 by 90 percent, is set to arrive in Spain in the coming days.
IN IMAGES: How the Covid-19 pandemic has changed Spain
As we approach the two-year anniversary of Spain going into full national lockdown, we take a look back at the most pivotal moments of the pandemic in the country and see how Covid-19 has changed Spanish society.
MAP: Which regions in Spain still require a Covid pass for daily affairs?
As Covid cases continue to decline, all of Spain's regions have now scrapped the use of the Covid pass in most venues. However, they are still required by some regions to access hospitals and care homes. Read on to find out where.
ERTE: Spain extends pandemic furlough scheme until March
The Spanish government approved Tuesday an agreement with unions and business groups to extend its furlough scheme for workers affected by the Covid pandemic until the end of March.
Spain's King Felipe tests positive for Covid-19
Spain's King Felipe VI has tested positive for Covid-19 but is experiencing only mild symptoms, the Royal House said Wednesday.
Spain, Portugal and USA added to Germany's 'high risk' list
Travellers entering Germany from Spain, Portugal or the United States of America will be subject to stricter travel rules from December 25th.
Spanish PM Sánchez calls for new measures amid 'real risk' of rising Covid cases
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez warned the population of a "real risk" of a new wave of infections as a result of the more contagious Omicron coronavirus variant and called for preventative measures to be stepped up.
CONFIRMED: Spain approves Covid-19 vaccines for children aged 5 to 11
Children between the ages of 5 and 11 will be able to receive a Covid-19 vaccine from December 15th, Spain's Public Health Commission announced on Tuesday.
How can tourists and people vaccinated abroad get Spain's Covid health pass for daily affairs?
As Spain’s regions start to require a Covid certificate to enter bars, restaurants and other indoor areas, we look at whether tourists or residents in Spain vaccinated abroad can get the Spanish Covid health pass for daily affairs, and if there are any alternatives or solutions.
UPDATE: What travellers from Europe to UK need to know about new Covid test rules
With the worsening Covid-19 situation across Europe and the spread of the new Omicron variant, the UK has announced yet more new testing rules for arrivals. Here's what you need to know about the new requirement for pre-departure tests.
How to get Spain's Covid health pass for daily affairs in your region
Covid health passes are being required by an increasing number of Spanish regions for people to gain access to everything from bars and restaurants, hospitals and events. Here are the different ways of getting your Covid certificate in Spain.
Spain rules out EU's advice on compulsory Covid-19 vaccination
Spain’s Health Ministry said Thursday there will be no mandatory vaccination in the country following the European Commission’s advice to Member States to “think about it” and Germany’s announcement that it will make vaccines compulsory in February.