Spain Sprays Bleach on Beaches to Prevent COVID-19... "An Act Done with Good Intentions"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-woo] A local official in Spain apologized after spraying bleach on the coast to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), drawing strong criticism from environmentalists. Spanish authorities are reportedly investigating the incident.

On the 28th (local time), according to the British daily The Guardian, a public official in the southern Spanish village of Zahara de los Atunes apologized for spraying diluted bleach on the coast to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Last week, the village used tractors equipped with sprayers to disperse the diluted bleach.

The British daily The Guardian reported on the 28th (local time) that a local official in the southern Spanish village apologized for spraying diluted bleach on the coast to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The official who expressed his apology, Agustin Conejo, stated that his actions were intended to protect children who would come near the beach and admitted, "I acknowledge it was a mistake." Since the 26th, Spain has allowed children under 14 years old to engage in outdoor activities for up to one hour per day.

Environmentalists expressed outrage. Maria Dolores Iglesias Benitez, an environmental activist leading conservation efforts in the area, called it "truly ridiculous" and criticized, saying, "The coast is a living ecosystem," and "Spraying bleach there kills everything you can find in that place."

The Spanish branch of Greenpeace also expressed concern. Greenpeace Spain strongly criticized the act on Twitter, stating, "Disinfecting the coast with bleach during bird hatching season is not an idea from U.S. President Donald Trump, but something happening here in Zahara de los Atunes." The Andalusia regional authorities, to which the village belongs, announced that they are investigating the matter.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.