Halilović from Spain for NAP: People headed south and spread the virus, we go to work with a permit

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - Bosnian Jasminka Halilović currently lives in northern Spain in the town of Bembibre and told Patria about the situation with the coronavirus pandemic in that country. 

According to her, in the town where she lives, the first case of virus infection appeared on Tuesday in an elementary school. 

"So far, 36 people have fallen ill in Bembibre, but fortunately, no new cases have been recorded in the last two days. Citizens are aware of the situation and are following instructions," Halilović told Patria.

She adds that Madrid, after the appearance of the first virus, immediately suspended the work of schools and other institutions, and that a state of emergency was declared last week on the night between Thursday and Friday. 

"The epidemic spread the most when many headed to the sea, i.e., to the south. That's when the epidemic spread. Larger cities have more infected people," Jasminka Halilović tells us. 

When asked how Spaniards are coping with life during the pandemic and whether there has been looting of markets in Spain, Halilović says that everyone respects the orders, but that there was "looting" of shopping malls at the beginning.

"People bought irrationally at first, but then the management of shopping mall chains assured them that there were enough basic supplies. Shopping malls are open even during the state of emergency," says Halilović. 

Spain, she points out, has introduced movement restrictions. 

"Special measures and permits have been introduced. Those who go to work must apply for a permit, and this permit allows them to go to work and return. They are obliged to show it to the police upon request. This prevents anyone from going for a walk. Only from home to work," Halilović told Patria.

She adds that everyone who can is working online from home. 

She states that for the last three days, citizens in Spain have also been applauding doctors, police officers, taxi drivers, and all other workers to show their support. 

Finally, Halilović appeals to the media in BiH not to present the crisis as greater than it is. 

"I remember when there were protests in Spain due to the situation in healthcare and education. At that time, the media 'inflated' the situation, and it looked much worse. All people are worried now, and the media should not create an even bigger problem with their writing," concluded Halilović. 

At the time of this text's publication, there were 17,146 infected people in Spain.