Spanish health minister: Worst of latest Covid-19 wave done

There are optimistic signs that Spain has passed the peak of its latest Omicron-fuelled coronavirus wave, the Spanish health minister said on Friday.

"Everything indicates that the curve of infections is falling," Health Minister Carolina Darias said. "The decline in numbers is solidifying day by day."

The seven-day incidence rate topped out early last week and has fallen to its present level of 1,335 per 100,000 residents (on Thursday). The 14-day incidence was 3,139 per 100,000 inhabitants.

Pressure on the health system has also eased. In the past week, the number of Covid-19 patients occupying hospital beds dropped from 15.2 per cent to 14.8 per cent. About 22 per cent of intensive care units were occupied by Covid-19 cases, down from 23.3.

During the same period, more than 1,100 additional coronavirus-related deaths were registered, the Health Ministry said.

1.5 million new infections

In the past two weeks, a total of 1.48 million infections have been logged. Most of those infected show no or only mild symptoms of the disease.

Spain has a comparatively high vaccination rate. More than 80 per cent have been jabbed twice and 43 per cent have received a third vaccination.

Many parts of the country have begun to relax coronavirus restrictions.