Spain’s COVID-19 cases jump as youth infection surges

A health worker takes a swab during a voluntary antigen test for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) of young people coming back from vacationing in Salou at the bus station in Pamplona, Spain, July 4, 2021. REUTERS FILE PHOTO

MADRID — Coronavirus infections in Spain have risen by 32,607 since Friday, official data showed on Monday, 85% more than the previous weekend’s increase as the Delta variant drives a surge among unvaccinated young people.

While the nationwide 14-day infection rate reached 204 cases per 100,000 people on Monday, up from 95 cases a week ago, that figure climbed to 640 cases among 20-29 year olds, the data showed.

Other European countries, such as France and Portugal, have opened up vaccination to all adults, but Spain has been working through age groups, meaning that most young people have yet to be inoculated.

Some 89% of Spaniards over 40 have received at least one dose, compared with 14% of 20-29 year olds.

“Right now we are in a delicate situation in terms of transmission, but at least it is not being reflected in terms of severe cases,” Health Emergency Coordinator Fernando Simon told a news conference.

Hospital admissions have so far been largely unaffected and national intensive care occupancy stands at less than 7%.

Before infections began ticking up in mid-June, contagion had fallen steadily since April, prompting the government to lift a requirement to wear masks outdoors and ease other restrictions.

But as authorities scramble to curb fresh outbreaks, several regions, including Catalonia and Cantabria, are considering reimposing restrictions on nightlife and social events.

Monday’s update brought the total tally of coronavirus cases to 3,866,475 and the death toll rose by 23 to 80,934.

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