Spain’s king in quarantine after coronavirus exposure: report

Spanish King Felipe VI began 10 days in quarantine on Monday after being in close contact with someone who later tested positive for COVID-19, Reuters reported. 

A Royal House source told the news agency that the 52-year-old canceled his public appearances during the 10-day period. The cancellations came after the close contact tested positive on Monday after being with the king on Sunday.

Earlier Monday, Felipe VI chaired a scientific meeting in Madrid. 

The Royal House source said Queen Letizia and their two daughters will keep their royal schedule.

Spain has confirmed more than 1.5 million COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic and 43,131 fatalities, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. 

The country has documented more cases than other nations in Western Europe besides France and more deaths besides France and Italy. 

Spain’s Health Ministry reported that almost 26,000 new cases were identified since Friday as well as 512 new deaths. The 14-day average for new cases per day decreased to 374 per 100,000 people as of Monday, compared with 530 during the first week of November, Reuters reported. 

A World Health Organization official told Swiss newspapers over the weekend that Europe is at risk of experiencing a third wave in 2021 if its leaders do not adjust their approach.