The epidemiological curve of the coronavirus is finally starting to fall in Spain after two weeks stuck in a plateau. According to the latest report from the Health Ministry, which was released on Thursday evening, the 14-day cumulative number of coronavirus cases per 100,000 inhabitants has fallen below 202 for the first time in a month. But the risk level is still high under the criteria established by the central government.
While the trend is positive, the uneven control of the pandemic from region to region and the ongoing high pressure on the healthcare system are prompting the experts to remain on alert. There are six Spanish territories in the governmentâs extreme risk scenario, with a 14-day cumulative number of cases above 250 per 100,000 inhabitants. Meanwhile, one in five intensive care unit (ICU) beds is occupied by a Covid-19 patient.
On May 9, the current state of alarm that is in place in Spain will expire, meaning that the countryâs regions â which are in charge of implementing coronavirus restrictions â will no longer be protected by a legal framework that avoids their measures being challenged in local courts. While the fourth wave of the epidemic in Spain is proving to be under control, for the most part, the regions are counting on having to maintain restrictions after May 9 in order to avoid further spread of the virus. In fact, some have even called on the central government to extend the state of alarm beyond that deadline.