Spain Implements Health Plan After 72,000 Migrants Enter Ceuta

The Local Authorities of Ceuta implemented a nine-point public health and environmental plan after more than 72,000 irregular migrants crossed from Morocco into the Spanish enclave on July 30 and 31. The response includes enhanced tuberculosis surveillance, expanded monitoring of drinking and coastal waters, and increased disinfection and waste removal efforts supported by more than 100 additional sanitation workers.

While the majority of the migrants have returned to Morocco, thousands remain in the enclave. Spanish Health Minister Monica Garcia is scheduled to visit Ceuta on Sunday to meet with medical officials and assess the strain on local health services.

Security forces from both Spain and Morocco tightened border controls on Saturday to prevent further mass crossings. This escalation follows the circulation of social media posts calling for new arrivals to attempt the crossing.