The coronavirus pandemic continues to rapidly expand across Madrid

The coronavirus pandemic continues to rapidly expand across Madrid, the regional government says 16 health areas in the region have a Covid-19 incident rate above 1,000 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

Despite this, these hotspots are NOT among those subject to the new restrictions which came into effect in 37 basic health areas on Monday.

A basic health area is much smaller than a city district and can include several primary healthcare centers, there are around 286 basic health areas in the Madrid region.

Madrid premier Isabel Díaz Ayuso has acknowledged that restrictions may need to be extended to new areas and even to the entire region.

National Health Minister Salvador Illa has recommended all residents in Madrid stay at home in a bid to curb contagion.

The mayor of Madrid, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, backed the health minister’s request saying “At this point in time, residents should limit all journeys that are not essential.”