Spain's streets turn eerily quiet following coronavirus lockdown

A tourist pushes his suitcase across an empty Catalunya square in Barcelona, Spain. Photograph: David Ramos/Getty Images

Transformation of usually bustling Madrid and Barcelona spooks the few residents and tourists to venture out

Spain’s usually teeming streets and bustling landmarks have come to a standstill after the Spanish government imposed a nationwide near-lockdown in hopes of tempering a coronavirus epidemic that has spiralled into one of the worst in Europe.

On Sunday, the number of cases of Covid-19 across Spain stood at 7,753 and 288 deaths. One week ago, Spain stood at 589 confirmed cases and 10 deaths.

Echoing measures taken by Italy – Europe’s hardest hit country – the Spanish government declared a state of emergency on Saturday, ordering the closure of all non-essential shops as well as bars, restaurants, cafes, football grounds and cinemas.

Residents have been ordered to stay at home, allowed out only to buy food and medicine or travel to work, health centres or banks. Travel is also allowed for those looking after the elderly or dependents.

Save for a handful of people walking their dogs or picking up groceries, most streets in Madrid were empty. “It’s shocking,” said Bertrand Martinez Peñalver as he looked out at a quiet boulevard. “Spain is a place where there are always people out. Now there’s nobody.”

Forced to wear a mask and winter gloves by his mother, the high-school student had been sent out to pick up bread. “I can’t be inside all day,” he said with a sigh.

Food shops, pharmacies, petrol stations and pet supply shops are among the businesses that will be allowed to remain open during the next fortnight.

In Madrid, police cars slowly made their way down the empty streets, using megaphones to blast out a pre-recorded message warning residents to stay indoors for their security. A few joggers, out on their own to capitalise on the sunny day, were sent home promptly by police.

The Spanish government on Saturday said that Begoña Gómez, the wife of the Spanish prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, had tested positive for Covid-19. Both are in good health, the government added. Two ministers in the Spanish government, Irene Montero and Carolina Darias, have also tested positive in recent days.

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