Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez addressed the nation on Friday, using reassuring tones but clearly seeking support from other parties and the regions themselves to ensure the government has the necessary backing for the state of alarm.

The previous emergency measure was introduced last March, and saw people confined to their homes in a bid to combat the spreading of coronavirus. It was lifted by the government in June once it became clear that the central government no longer had the votes from other parties in Congress to extend the measure further.

Asturias, the Basque Country, the North African exclave city of Melilla and Extremadura on Friday formally requested that the Cabinet implement a new state of alarm in order to impose extraordinary measures.

If the government eventually does declare a state of alarm, it does not necessarily mean that people will be confined to their homes as they were back in March. Actually, that is what the authorities are trying to avoid, favouring alternative measures. Sanchéz said that these measures could be similar to those he made on a weekly basis during the first wave of the coronavirus. The Prime Minister added that he was prepared to take tough measures because “the situation is serious” and “we will have very tough months ahead.”

The Health Ministry has for the last few days been planning a night time curfew for the entire country. The measure is already in place in some regions.