Some 200,000 people are affected by the lockdown which began on Sunday and will last at least two weeks, according to Catalan regional premier Quim Torra.

Since yesterday at 4 pm no one has been able to enter or leave the 38 municipalities affected, with the exception of those who need to displace themselves for work. The restrictions also affect transport, trade and business activities.

Catalan health minister Alba Vergés called for citizens in the area to respect the three basic measures to avoid contagion: social distancing, hand washing and the use of face masks. She also called on people to reduce family meetings “as much as possible.” Day centers for senior citizens will also remain closed during the new confinement.

Public transport will continue to operate in the area in order to guarantee citizens can move around for work purposes and so that essential services continue to function. Visits to senior homes have also been suspended.

Catalan authorities said that there are over 4,000 cases already registered and confirmed that the outbreaks have been detected in four fruit companies, a food firm, a senior residence, a residential block, and a hostel for homeless people.