Daily Times

Spanish authorities ordered the closure of nightclubs, banned drinking in outdoor public areas and smoking when keeping a safe distance from people is impossible, among other measures imposed on Friday to try to stem a coronavirus resurgence. Infections have spiked in recent days following the end of Spain’s tough lockdown seven weeks ago. Thursday’s almost 3,000 new cases brought the cumulative total to 337,334 – the highest number in Western Europe. Bars and restaurants will also have to close by 1 a.m. as part of the new restrictions, Health Minister Salvador Illa told a news conference. He also advised against gatherings of more than 10 people and specifically warned young people not to gather outside to drink alcohol, a popular practice called “botellones”. “We cannot afford not to be disciplined,” Illa said. “We cannot ignore the virus circulating among us.”