Spain extends closure of land borders until May 10 over coronavirus

MADRID — The Spanish government on Saturday confirmed that it's maintaining the closure of land borders with neighbors France and Portugal until May 10.

It's the third time the government extended the closure, which was initially announced on March 16 in an attempt to halt the spread of the coronavirus.

The order, signed by Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska and published by the Spanish State Bulletin (BOE), allows a few exceptions.

The continued closure of the land borders does not affect the transport of goods, with the aim of assuring the continuity of economic activity and the supply of food and essential materials.

Diplomats are also exempt from the measure, along with returning Spanish citizens, trans-frontier workers (those who live in one country and work in another), and people who can prove force majeure.

The order leaves room for it to be extended again if future circumstances require.