What many had originally shrugged off as a mild wave of infections among the younger population is beginning to have more serious consequences. In Catalonia, home to Spain’s highest infection rate, COVID-19 patients are now taking up 44% of the intensive care units. The country’s soaring infection rate has also begun to take an even heavier toll on the country’s tourism industry. While Spain’s 14-day infection rate continues to creep up to near record-high levels, cases do appear to be subsiding. On Tuesday, the Health Ministry reported nearly 26,400 new infections, nearly 900 fewer than the same day last week.

Source: The Nation July 27, 2021 19:18 UTC