The Latest: Another Spanish region to mask wearing mandatory

MADRID — The Spanish region of Extremadura is following in the footsteps of Catalonia and the Balearic Islands by making the wearing of masks obligatory.

Spain’s lockdown ended mid-June, but the number of new daily cases has been creeping higher in some areas.

Authorities in Extremadura, southwest of Madrid, announced Friday the region had 66 active cases. Everyone over 6 years old must from Saturday wear masks when outside or when in enclosed public spaces, even when complying with social distancing rules.

The introduction of mandatory mask-wearing in the Balearic island group in the Mediterranean Sea from Monday has angered business associations there. The islands, including Ibiza, Mallorca and Menorca, are a popular European vacation destination.

The Confederation of Balearic Business Associations says the regional government is imposing tighter restrictions than potential vacationers have in their home countries and that the step will discourage visitors.

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HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE VIRUS OUTBREAK:

— Australia’s Victoria state reports new daily record of 288 cases.

— The World Health Organization is acknowledging the possibility that COVID-19 might be spread in the air under certain conditions.

— Texas hits new record for virus deaths as hospitals scramble.

— United Nations says Latin America and Caribbean are COVID-19 `hot spot.’

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Follow all of AP’s pandemic coverage at http://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

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HERE’S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING:

BRUSSELS — Wearing a face mask will become mandatory from Saturday in Belgian shops, cinemas, entertainment venues and other indoor spaces.

The Belgian government said the decision was made...