More than 2000 COVID cases recorded following festivals in Catalonia

2,279 cases of COVID-19 have been recorded after three festivals took place in Catalonia.

The Catalan Department of Health studied three festivals, Vida, Canet Rock and Cruïlla, which all took place last month, and found that the number of COVID cases recorded were 58% more than scientists believed would be the case. The case numbers were also 76% higher than those of a trial group.

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A negative test and mask-wearing were compulsory for the festivals, though many did not follow the latter.

Carme Cabezas, the secretary of Public health in Catalonia, spoke about the findings and their implications, noting that they have “had an effect” on COVID transmission in the region:

“With 842 more cases than what was expected, we can't say they haven't been superspreader events."

The events took place at a point where the region was beginning to feel the effects of a third wave, with the Canet Rock and Vida festivals falling between June 30 and July 4 - when the R number (which indicates how many people an infected person will spread the virus to) was at 2.92.

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Cruïlla Festival was on July 10 and 11, at a point where the R number had gone down to 1.37, but the incidence rate was 1,000 cases per 100,000 people.

The findings have led to restrictions in the region to tackle the spread of COVID, as the R number continues to increase alongside the number of cases.

Tope Olufemi is Mixmag’s Digital Intern, follow them on Twitter