A police helicopter was filmed landing on a beach in Spain after cops spotted a man breaking the coronavirus lockdown - who now reportedly faces a hefty fine of up to €30,000.
The incident occurred in Tavernes de la Valldigna municipality located in the autonomous community of Valencia, where the National Police were carrying out inspections from a helicopter.
Advert
The video shows two officers wearing face masks getting into the helicopter, before it cuts to the anonymous man sitting by himself on the beach, looking at the ocean.
The helicopter circles him as he stands up, grabs his shoes and starts walking along the completely deserted beach, seemingly unbothered by the police presence.
Later in the clip the two officers can be seen walking with the man, who reportedly ignored repeated megaphone instructions to return to his home.
Advert
Eventually the three stop and start talking to each other, as the footage cuts off.
According to local media, a patrol car arrived at the scene to accompany the man to his home, as he did not have identification on him at the time.
He now reportedly faces a fine of between €600 and €30,000 (£523 and £26,175).
The person filming the video says: "So you see what happens if you go down to the beach."
Advert
They add: "This guy is going to remember today, for acting like a clown because they warned him several times."
Spain has been under nationwide lockdown since 14 March, with measures expected to be in place until at least 26 April.
It is one of the countries to have been hit the hardest by the coronavirus pandemic, which has now killed 128,011 worldwide, according to the latest figures shown on the John Hopkins University map.
The death toll for Spain currently sits at 18,579 deaths - just behind Italy's 21,067 - with 177,633 confirmed cases at the time of writing.
Advert
The World Health Organisation has shared a list of six criteria that countries must meet before lockdown can be lifted, with scientists warning that lifting restrictions too quickly could trigger a deadly second wave of the virus.
The criteria are that: transmission is controlled; health system capacities are in place to detect, test, isolate and treat every case and trace every contact; outbreak risks are minimised in special settings like health facilities and nursing homes; preventive measures are in place in workplaces, schools and other places where it's essential for people to go; importation risks can be managed; and communities are fully educated, engaged and empowered to adjust to the 'new norm'.
WHO director general Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus said: "While Covid-19 accelerates very fast, it decelerates much more slowly.
Advert
" In other words, the way down is much slower than the way up.
"That means control measures must be lifted slowly, and with control. It cannot happen all at once."
He added: "Each government must assess their situation, while protecting all their citizens, and especially the most vulnerable.
"Control measures can only be lifted if the right public health measures are in place."
Featured Image Credit: Policia Nacional
Topics: World News, News, Coronavirus, Spain
