By Alyssa McMurtry

OVIEDO, Spain

Spain registered a relatively large rise in COVID-19 cases on Thursday, with the Health Ministry reporting 543 new cases since Wednesday.

The number of weekly cases in Spain – 2,491 – also reached the highest number since June 2. The country has now confirmed 252,513 infections in total.

Spain’s health minister said in an interview with Spanish broadcaster Antena 3 that there are currently 73 active outbreaks, which is to be expected in the “new normal”.

Isolated confinement measures have been taken in three areas of the country so far – in parts of Catalonia, Aragon, and Galicia.

On Thursday, the entire region of Catalonia made masks mandatory in all public spaces.

There are a few exceptions, however, like on beaches or during certain exercises. Clients of bars and restaurants are told to only remove their mask to eat or drink.

Anyone not obeying the rules will risk a fine of €100 ($112).

On Thursday, the government of Spain’s Balearic Islands announced it would be following Catalonia’s lead, and that masks will be made mandatory in all public spaces from Monday.

The rest of the country requires masks on public transportation or in situations where people cannot stay 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) apart.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, local health officials in Madrid reported two imported cases of COVID-19 that arrived through the Barajas Airport.

Spain does not require travelers from approved countries to take a COVID-19 test before entry or quarantine upon arrival.

On Thursday, the Health Ministry reported five more deaths from the disease, taking the country’s death toll to 28,401.