Spain hopes UK relaxes island quarantine rules

The Spanish government is continuing to press the UK to lift its blanket and unexpected quarantine on Spain, or at least exempt certain regions such as Spanish islands.

Spain’s tourism minister Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto hopes exemptions for the Balearic and Canary Islands specifically could be sorted very quickly, either “today rather than tomorrow."

More travel disruption could be on the way as well. On Monday Britain said it is watching coronavirus cases in Germany and France closely and continuously reviewing the situation in those countries.

London's decision to impose a 14-day quarantine on travellers from Spain has disrupted travel plans of tens of thousands of British holidaymakers, a major asset for the Spanish tourism economy, in an already hugely disrupted holiday season.

But infection rates are very low on the Balearic and Canary Islands compared to hotspots like Barcelona.

Madrid is now working on regaining confidence and convincing other countries that flare ups of coronavirus cases are under control.

Meanwhile in Barcelona officials also said Monday they may take stricter measures to limit coronavirus contagion if things do not improve in the next 10 days.

Catalonia leaders have already imposed restrictions on peoples movements, activities and businesses, but have warned they will go further if necessary.

They've also issued a warning to young people in the area telling them to stop partying or risk going back into lockdown.