Omicron-hit Spain tightens leash on venues

Article posted by Coliseum, January 7^th, 2022

Image: Real Madrid

With Spain recording the highest infection rate in Europe, the country has imposed stricter capacity limits on sporting venues as the highly contagious Omicron variant drives record-high coronavirus cases, affecting top football clubs including Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona.

‘The Local’ quoted the Health Minister, Carolina Darias, as stating in a presser that outdoor stadiums, which previously had no spectator limits, can now use up to 75 percent of their total capacity.

Indoor venues can use 50 percent of their capacity instead of 80 percent and wearing face masks will be compulsory, she added.

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‘The Local’ stated that the above decision comes after LaLiga giants Real Madrid and FC Barcelona recently informed that more of their players tested positive as Spain continues to report a record-high daily COVID-19 cases.

Real Madrid’s Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, Uruguay midfielder Federico Valverde, French midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, and Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior are all infected.

The FC Barcelona informed that its forward Ousmane Dembele, defender Samuel Umtiti and midfielder Gavi has tested positive, with defenders Jordi Alba, Dani Alves and Clement Lenglet also contracting the virus.

COVID-19 outbreaks have also affected LaLiga teams Real Sociedad, RCD Mallorca and Cádiz CF.

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