Family of three catch coronavirus on holiday in Menorca as medics hunt anybody they may have mixed with
A FAMILY of three have caught coronavirus while holidaying in Menorca as medics hunt to find anybody they may have mixed with.
The family tested positive after arriving for a week's holiday and are believed to be the Balearic Islands' first "tourist" outbreak of the deadly bug.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
Menorca has previously had a very low incidence of the disease, with only six active cases being monitored.
An investigation is now underway to find anyone the family may have mixed with, although they are believed to have only come into contact with a limited number of people since arriving last Saturday.
All three tourists are Spanish.
The first to test positive was the husband, 44, who took himself the emergency room of the Canal Salat in Ciutadella with a fever on Monday.
He tested and diagnosed soon afterwards.
'FIRST TOURIST OUTBREAK'
The following day, his wife and one of the couple's children also tested positive.
All three are said to have mild or no symptoms, but have been in quarantine under follow-up by the Coronavirus Care Unit (UVAC).
Another family member has been tested, but that came back negative.
They are all isolated in the apartment where they are staying in Ciutadella on the west side of Menorca but are about to be transferred to "bridge" accommodation which might be one of the island hotels specifically prepared to take positive coronavirus patients who don't need to be in hospital.
Javier Arranz, spokesman for the autonomous committee on infectious diseases, confirmed the cases and said it is "the first tourist outbreak in the Balearics".
"This outbreak in Menorca is the first of tourists, nationals, not foreigners, but despite that it is also a family outbreak," he told the island's newspapers.
Despite the outbreak, Mr Arranz said that the epidemiological situation in the Balearic Islands is good.
There are 134 active coronavirus cases on the islands and there has been one death in the last week.
"More than 80% are mild or asymptomatic cases," Mr Arranz said.
Most read in News
From Monday, it will be compulsory for both locals and tourists to wear face masks in public places in the Balearics, but the coverings will not be needed on beaches or in swimming pools.
Earlier today, another Spanish tourist region of Tudela in Navarra was put on high alert after at least 23 guests at a wedding, including the bride and her mother, were struck down with coronavirus.
The news comes after Spain recorded 257 coronavirus cases yesterday, the largest daily rise since May 30.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
There were outbreaks in Catalonia, Galicia and Aragon.
Last week, health chiefs in the Balearic Islands warned sunseekers could be turned away from Majorca and Ibiza if there's a big coronavirus outbreak.
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS - STAY IN THE KNOW
Don't miss the latest news and figures - and essential advice for you and your family.
To receive The Sun’s Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, .
To follow us on Facebook, simply .
Get Britain’s best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day – .
