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As Spain's Infection Rates Soar (Again), Divisions Widen

Graham'¯Keeley'¯

   MADRID - Millions of Madrileños were preparing to go into lockdown
   once again Thursday as authorities in Western Europe's worst hotspot
   shut down the Spanish capital to try to halt a new surge in COVID-19
   cases.

   The Spanish government gave regional authorities 48 hours to comply
   with new restrictions which will affect this city of more than 3
   million people and nine surrounding communities.

   Isabel DÃaz Ayuso, the head of Madrid's city government, said regional
   authorities will abide by the order but will challenge the Spanish
   government in the courts, widening a rift between her conservative
   regional administration and the minority left-wing coalition central
   government.

   Other regions such as Catalonia, Andalusia and Galicia have also
   opposed the new restrictions.

   Madrid authorities say the lockdown will damage the economy of the
   Spanish capital which thrives on its bars, restaurants and -- in normal
   times -- tourists.

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