Spain rejects regional pleas to extend curfew to 8 pm

Despite record infections, health authorities believe current restrictions will be able to curb third wave

Spain's health minister Salvador Illa (by Moncloa)
Spain's health minister Salvador Illa (by Moncloa) / ACN

ACN | Barcelona

January 20, 2021 07:36 PM

The Spanish cabinet has ruled out allowing regional authorities to extend the curfew to 8 pm, a measure requested by almost half of the regions as part of a wider effort to curb the third wave of the pandemic.

"It’s not a matter of passing more and more restrictions, but properly enforcing the ones already in place and waiting for the results," said Spain’s health minister, Salvador Illa, on Wednesday after an online meeting with regional leaders.