Spain deploys all law enforcement bodies to patrol streets to ensure public obeys lockdown restrictions

Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska has today announced the deployment of all of Spain’s law enforcement and security forces to patrol the country’s streets in a bid to stop the aggressive spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). He has enlisted the National Police, local police and Guardia Civil, as well as security guards of private companies, to monitor the country’s roads and public spaces, and to help transport urgent medical supplies from one hospital/health centre to another.

Law enforcement officers are already out across the country in full force patrolling all the roads, public spaces and public transport to ensure that individuals in the street are complying with the lockdown measures restricting movement – in other words – only out to buy essential food/medical supplies, go to the bank/work/medical centres, or check in on a ‘vulnerable’ family member who is elderly, or has special needs.

Earlier today, Costa del Sol’s police helicopters and boats have been deployed to patrol the closed beaches and warn those out for leisure purposes, even those taking a walk, to return home or face fines. It seems both tourists and locals are either not clear about the new restrictions, or are simply choosing to flout the law. However, the police authorities are not taking this lightly.

“Individuals have been telling us, I’m on my own or not near anyone so I’m not dangerous, but we are telling them to go home or risk a fine,” said one policeman.

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Pepi Sappal

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