RISE IN COVID-19 CASES DUE TO FAIRS AND PILGRIMAGES

With the arrival of spring and warmer weather, following the end of Holy Week and the beginning of fairs and traditional pilgrimages throughout Andalusia and other parts of Spain, there has been a rise in COVID-19 cases.

The Andalusian Government attributes the increase in cases already being recorded to the "increase in personal interaction" following the relaxation of restrictions, combined with the celebration of spring festivals.

PANDEMIC TREND DURING THE MONTH OF MAY

The upward trend in coronavirus infections in Andalusia is expected to continue over the coming weeks. This is the outlook of the Andalusian Government, which has so far avoided referring to a possible seventh wave and instead attributes the current situation to the "increase in personal interaction" following the easing of mobility restrictions, together with the celebration of events such as fairs and traditional pilgrimages.

This was stated by the Minister of the Presidency and spokesperson for the Andalusian Government, Elías Bendodo, who acknowledged that "peaks in infections and hospital admissions" due to COVID-19 are being recorded.

Following the relaxation of coronavirus restrictions, mobility has increased, and the good weather encourages people to spend more time socialising outside the home. In addition, the traditional spring festivities, which began with Holy Week, are now underway. All of this is resulting in an increase in positive COVID-19 cases.

THE COVID-19 SITUATION AFTER THE FESTIVITIES

According to an epidemiology expert from the Andalusian Health Service, the actual incidence is underestimated because the mildest cases—which account for the vast majority—are not being reported to healthcare centres.

Salcedo has insisted that there is no risk of the healthcare system becoming overwhelmed, but has called for "a degree of caution that allows healthcare services to continue operating without excessive pressure."

According to CSIF, the increase in cases among healthcare professionals coincides with the rise recorded among the general population, particularly among older adults.