Dutch tourists infected and quarantined escape from Spanish hostel

The Spanish authorities are looking for a group of Dutch tourists, who were staying in a rural hostel in Navas del Madrono (Cáceres, Extremadura) and who escaped after testing positive for Covid-19.

All those infected had been instructed to isolate themselves and remain in quarantine.

According to local sources, the coronavirus outbreak affected 9 of the 14 people staying at the hostel. Seven of them, all of Dutch nationality, escaped, while two others (one Dutch and one Spanish) have remained.

One of the tourists felt ill during an excursion and went to the health center, where he was tested for Covid-19. He tested positive, and after testing the rest of the group, six more cases were confirmed. After being quarantined for a few hours in the accommodation, all but one left.

The Extremadura health authorities have activated an international health alert and have reported the events to the Ministry of the Interior. The Central Government Delegation in Extremadura is coordinating the search operation.

Local authorities said that the infected tourists had not had contact with other people in the municipality. However, the detection of this Covid-19 outbreak has already increased the incidence in the town.