The Spanish foreign ministry has responded to the latest UK measures by saying that Spain is safe for visitors and that new coronavirus outbreaks are isolated and under control.

However, although the country ended its state of emergency barely a month ago, cities including Barcelona, Zaragoza and the capital Madrid have seen a surge in new infections.

Health officials reported more than 900 new cases of the virus on Friday and the government has warned that a second wave of infections could be imminent.

In response, Catalonia is closing all nightclubs and late-night bars in the region for the next two weeks.

The BBC’s Guy Hedgecoe in Madrid says contagion among young people is a particular worry, as they have been gathering in large numbers in cities at night.

Norway has also said it will start quarantining people arriving from Spain, and France has warned its citizens not to travel to Catalonia. Belgium has banned travel to Huesca and Lleida, with recommendations against travel to a number of other areas in Spain.

SOURCE> AGENCIES

PHOTO> Britain’s government said passengers arriving from Spain will have to self-isolate for two weeks (AFP Photo/Pau BARRENA)