The COVID-19 Delta Variant is rapidly proving to become a far worse obstacle to manage than previously imagined, particularly among younger generations of individuals who are yet to be vaccinated, and that the rate of contagion has now surpassed any of their neighboring EU countries. For example, the 7-day rate of infection has nearly tripled, from 58/100,000 on the 29th of June, to now indexing 156 cases per 100,000 individuals.
Although Spanish authorities did-away with a majority of national COVID-19 restrictions in May 2021, they state that a surge in both public and private gatherings above predetermined capacity levels, as well as an increase in the number of excessive outdoor drinking festivities being organized by mostly younger individuals who do not practice safe alcohol consumption habits, as well as the increased mobility of individuals across the country during the country’s tourism season, are some of the primary factors that further contribute to this increase in contagion levels.
This is a matter of great concern for authorities here, as Spain’s economy is highly dependent on tourism, particularly during the months of July and August. While Spain’s tourism minister Reyes Maroto states that over 41% of its nation’s population have been vaccinated, Spain now remains a country that is a “safe tourist destination”. However, as per EU guidelines, Spain has been flagged as red, which implies that travel to-and-fro either of these countries are discouraged. Additionally, both Spain and Portugal are now repeatedly emphasizing that British tourists visiting either country are not physically responsible for this Delta Variant spike, despite the fact that the number of positive cases in the United Kingdom has also been on the rise as of late.
What Spanish authorities have been requesting their visiting British and other European counterparts to kindly share is, either a negative COVID-19 test or to furnish valid vaccination certification or documentation upon arrival for a less hassle-free entry process.
