The Madrid region, one of the worst hit in Spain, will introduce targeted lockdowns and other restrictions on movement on Friday in areas with high Covid-19 cases, local authorities have said.

Madrid accounts for around one-third of active coronavirus cases in Spain, with a higher incidence in high-density and low-income neighbourhoods, mainly in the south of the city.

“We are taking measures but it is not enough [...] Nothing will work if we are not responsible,” Antonio Zapatero, head of Covid-19 response in Madrid, told reporters.

“There has been a relaxation of behaviour that we cannot afford.” He said people were organising parties, drinking in the street and not respecting quarantine rules.