Spain will lift most lockdown restrictions and reach “a new normal” by the start of the summer, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Tuesday.
Speaking at a press conference, Sánchez said the relaxation of coronavirus measures — which was approved by his Cabinet earlier in the day — will be “gradual” and at different speeds across the country, but should be completed nationwide by the end of June.
“If we must choose between prudence and risk, we will choose prudence,” Sánchez said. “This plan is flexible,” he added, warning that if handled badly, “we can lose what we have achieved.”
Unlike the approach of some other European countries, Spain did not outline exact dates for lifting each restriction.
The restrictions will be dropped in four phases, each expected to last a minimum of two weeks. Provinces (rather than whole regions) will be able to progress to the next phase once a series of indicators have been assessed, including on the capacity of health systems and local case numbers as well as mobility and macroeconomic data.
The government will continue to recommend working from home until at least phase three.
On May 4, the vast majority of Spain will enter phase zero, in which adults will be allowed to exercise, professional athletes will be able to train outside alone and some businesses will reopen but only to offer services booked in advance, such as individual gym sessions.
A few parts of the country where the coronavirus data are more promising, such as some of the Canary Islands and the Balearic island of Formentera, will jump directly to phase one, in which adults will be able to go for a drink on a bars terrace. However, they will still be banned from entering other peoples homes. Travel within ones own province will be possible.
Some small shops will reopen in phase one if they can meet social distancing rules. Bars and restaurants with outdoor space will be allowed to use 30 percent of that space, but customers wont be allowed inside. Hotels will reopen with restrictions. Religious buildings will open but using only a third of their space.
Although schools and universities will not resume lessons until September, some will open in phase two for exams or for children aged 6 or under if both parents must return to work. Cultural events of up to 400 people will restart in phase two, as lRead More – Source
Spain will lift most lockdown restrictions and reach “a new normal” by the start of the summer, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Tuesday.
Speaking at a press conference, Sánchez said the relaxation of coronavirus measures — which was approved by his Cabinet earlier in the day — will be “gradual” and at different speeds across the country, but should be completed nationwide by the end of June.
“If we must choose between prudence and risk, we will choose prudence,” Sánchez said. “This plan is flexible,” he added, warning that if handled badly, “we can lose what we have achieved.”
Unlike the approach of some other European countries, Spain did not outline exact dates for lifting each restriction.
The restrictions will be dropped in four phases, each expected to last a minimum of two weeks. Provinces (rather than whole regions) will be able to progress to the next phase once a series of indicators have been assessed, including on the capacity of health systems and local case numbers as well as mobility and macroeconomic data.
The government will continue to recommend working from home until at least phase three.
On May 4, the vast majority of Spain will enter phase zero, in which adults will be allowed to exercise, professional athletes will be able to train outside alone and some businesses will reopen but only to offer services booked in advance, such as individual gym sessions.
A few parts of the country where the coronavirus data are more promising, such as some of the Canary Islands and the Balearic island of Formentera, will jump directly to phase one, in which adults will be able to go for a drink on a bars terrace. However, they will still be banned from entering other peoples homes. Travel within ones own province will be possible.
Some small shops will reopen in phase one if they can meet social distancing rules. Bars and restaurants with outdoor space will be allowed to use 30 percent of that space, but customers wont be allowed inside. Hotels will reopen with restrictions. Religious buildings will open but using only a third of their space.
Although schools and universities will not resume lessons until September, some will open in phase two for exams or for children aged 6 or under if both parents must return to work. Cultural events of up to 400 people will restart in phase two, as lRead More – Source
