Date Published: 31/07/2020
ARCHIVED - 77 new cases of Covid in Murcia Region on Friday
ARCHIVED ARTICLE
The total of active cases is now 644
On Friday Covid cases in the Region of Murcia rose in line with the expectations of the regional Health Ministry due to the number of PCR tests being undertaken in municipalities with known focal points and outbreaks.
77 further cases were diagnosed on Friday, and in spite of 18 patients being cured, the current total of active cases rose to 644. Of these 590 are in domestic isolation and 54 in hospital, one of whom remains in intensive care.
1700 PCR swab tests have been undertaken in the last 24 hours, mainly focusing on those associated with other active cases or members of the public who have used one of the bars closed down in Totana, Lorca and Murcia or known contacts of the agricultural workers from the factory closed down on Thursday.
Murcia City recorded the most cases with 23, followed by Lorca which added 16 new cases to its existing 23, Totana which added 7 new cases and Mazarrón which added 4.
Although no specific data were given, there are indications that something may be stirring in Molina de Segura, as the Mayoress there indicated that her council was willing to take whatever measures were necessary to stem the flow of the virus. Earlier in the year Molina de Segura recorded a number of cases due to its proximity to the capital and size of population which makes it very much a “dormitory town” for Murcia City. Popular with younger homeowners it has sevcral densely populated residential areas and a lively night-life so it would be very surprising if there were no links to the outbreaks in the Atalayas leisure zone of the capital.
The Mayor of Lorca also stated today that he was expecting to see cases appearing in Águilas, Puerto Lumbreras or Terreros (Pulpí, Almería)", where many of the city dwellers of Lorca city spend their summer vacations.
This weekend the second major phase of “Operación Verano” takes place as the cities empty and holidaymakers flock to holiday homes in the campo and on the coast. Although the numbers involved are likely to be considerably lower this year, as there is an understandable degree of caution at the moment and opinion polls indicate that fewer families are opting for the normal month away this year due to the fears of further confinements, there will still be a significant number of families on the move this coming weekend, some of them taking Covid to their holiday destinations.
The Murcian regional health authority is continuing to PCR test all known contacts of the cases recording positive in order to isolate the outbreaks, most of which are linked to either nocturnal leaisure venues or the agricultural sector.