Coronavirus Spain: Government sends in the MILITARY to police the streets amid lockdown

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 coronavirus in Spain hits 288, increasing by 152 in a day, with 7,753 positive cases now recorded. Yesterday the Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez declared as state of emergency and announced the country would go into a 15-day nationwide lockdown. 

Spain’s Military of Defence confirmed that 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 coronavirus in Spain hits 288, increasing by 152 in a day, with 7,753 positive cases now recorded.

Yesterday the Spain’s prime minister Pedro Sanchez declared as 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.

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.”

Additional reporting by Rita Sobo