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Spain and France Go Into Nationwide Lockdowns to Fight Worsening Coronavirus Outbreak

Spain and France are shutting down bars, restaurants, and businesses to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Spain and France are implementing major restrictions as both countries go into partial nationwide lockdowns to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus. According to a draft government order seen by The Associated Press, Spain is planning to institute a number of emergency measures designed to slow the spread of the virus. The steps include shutting down restaurants, schools, and bars, and limiting personal travel exclusively to commuting for work, purchasing food, and visiting the bank or hospital. Over the past week, COVID-19 cases have leapt up in Spain, which has the fifth highest reported number of infections, growing to at least 5,700, and resulting in 136 deaths. France announced similar restrictions on Saturday, shuttering major tourist attractions, closing all restaurants, cafes, theaters and nonessential shops, and restricting gatherings. The country’s restrictions come just weeks after Italy implemented similar nationwide lockdown rules to stem the spread of the flu-like virus.