Spanish Government orders the military to patrol the streets

Credit: The diplomat in Spain

Spain’s Military of Defence confirmed 350 troops have been mobilised across a number of towns, including Madrid, Valencia, Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

The move comes as the number of deaths from Covid-19 in Spain hits 288, with 7,753 positive cases now recorded. Yesterday the Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez declared a state of emergency and announced the country would go into a 15-day nationwide lockdown.

The measure severely restricts the movement of local residents and tourists who have been told to stay inside unless going to and from work, to the shops, pharmacy, bank, or to look after eldery residents.

The troops, on foot and in armoured vehicles, will be patrolling the streets to make sure the new rules are adhered to, giving help and advice and will help with additional disinfecting when needed.

The Ministry of Defence has also mobilised military doctors to assist in the efforts to combat the outbreak.

Military pharmacies have been instructed to increase the preparation of the hydroalcoholic disinfectant solution, as well as other generic medicines that are needed.

A spokesman confirmed: “The UME, the Military Unit of Emergencies, has begun to carry out patrols in some urban areas where there may be a greater risk of spreading the # COVID19: Madrid, Valencia, Sevilla, Zaragoza, León, Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.”

The Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, announced the measures saying: “We have only one objective, which is to defeat the coronavirus. We are all on the same team.”

Spain yesterday joined France and Italy in declaring a nationwide lockdown.

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