Spain's Socialist-led government invoked a state of emergency on Friday to impose a partial lockdown on Madrid, one of Europe's worst COVID-19 hot spots, state TV said. There has been a legal battle over measures to combat the spread, including limiting travel outside of the city. But instead of a blanket restriction, Madrid region chief Isabel Diaz Ayuso wants tailored restrictions in different neighbourhoods according to local contagion levels. A Madrid court sided with her on Thursday, effectively suspending the restrictions and prompting the government's response with an emergency order. Spain reported 12,423 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, bringing the national tally up to 848,324 — the highest in Western Europe.

Source: CBC News October 09, 2020 12:45 UTC