WANT TO WORK OUT IN SPAIN?

AN EXERCISE IN PATIENCE, AS PEOPLE WAIT FOR THEIR SHIFT

MADRID • For the first time in seven weeks, millions in Spain — one of the countries hardest hit by the coronavirus — ventured outdoors on the weekend as the government gingerly eased Europe’s strictest nationwide lockdown.

But there were rules — and plenty of them. People were allowed outside to exercise — no lounging — only during specific times designated by age group.

A seven-hour block was set aside for children under 14 years of age but each child had to be accompanied by an adult, had to stay within 1.6 kilometres of home and could be outside for only one hour. Masked police officers stood watch to ensure compliance.

People also were ordered not to drive to a chosen exercise spot, so as to leave the streets clear for cyclists, runners and walkers, spaced roughly 10 km apart.

Spain has suffered the world’s highest per-capita fatality rate due to the pandemic, with 25,428 deaths and more than 218,011 confirmed cases.

The government has been reluctant to relax its strict measures, which included mandatory, nationwide lockdowns and the closure of parks, schools and shops, for fear of a spike in new infections. Even now, schools and most businesses remain closed.

With parks fenced off, city dwellers gravitated toward squares such as Madrid’s expansive Plaza de Oriente, which overlooks Casa de Campo park.

6 a.m.-10 a.m. —

Adults exercise

Runners huff through the long pedestrian area connecting the plaza with adjacent streets. Four women race up and down the steps. Cyclists zoom between those on foot, pushing themselves in their first outdoor ride in 48 days.

“I wasn’t out of shape because I have a machine at home, but it’s totally different out in the sunshine,” said Luke Bogue, 32, as he dismounted from his bike. “I didn’t plan my routine, just went for the maximum time I could and pedalled as hard as I could. Now, I’m off for a pizza and a beer at home to celebrate.”

10 a.m.- 12-noon — Over-70-year-olds

A nearby church bell tolls, and everyone knows their time is up.

Colourful sports attire fades from the plaza, giving way to subdued hues — and the slower pace of the over70-year-olds.

The elderly take their turn outdoors for the next two hours.

Some, like Maria Jose de la Vera, 87, needed a little push to get back outside.

“These 48 days have really affected me,” she said. “I only came out because my daughter made me go with her.”

Some disagreed with the government’s restrictions of closing the parks. Others take exception to how the government has sectioned the population by age, rather than if they were infected or not.

Many expressed frustration about how the lockdown has affected the Spanish economy.

“They should have tested everyone. Sick people stay at home and the rest should go to work. That way we wouldn’t destroy the economy,” Maria Rosa Calvo-Manzano, 74, said.

Eulalia Velasco, 91, said she was afraid.

“I was frightened to go out. I saw crowds of people out this morning from my balcony and I didn’t want to come downstairs, but Ana — who takes care of me — said we had to go for 10 minutes,” Velasco said, as Ana Almanza held a parasol to protect her.

Noon- 7 p.m. —

Kids under 14

By the time the clock strikes noon and the temperature rises, the over-70 group has long disappeared. As if on cue, children appear.

A father chases a wobbly toddler around a statue while another runs laps around the garden. Still another steadies his sevenyear-old, who teeters on a skateboard.

None of the parents is on their phone. Most say they are comfortable with the way the government has segmented the schedule.

“We accept the sacrifice for the good of everyone. We have a lot of elderly neighbours,” said Ruben Garcia, skateboarding with his kids.

Most disappear indoors for the Spanish lunchtime at 2 p.m. For the next three hours, only dog walkers foray into the square.

Knee pads, helmets and strollers reappear around 5 p.m.

“He was chomping at the bit to ride his new bike,” said Ana Requena about her 4-year-old, Omar.

A cluster of five parents chats in an expansive circle — monitored by police officers who caution when they get too close.

7 p.m.-8 p.m. — Over-70-year-olds

Like clockwork, parents collect play things and scurry home. Fewer elderly opt for the evening hour. The nightly 8 p.m. applause to thank health workers erupts on schedule and ushers in the final stage of the day’s activities.

8 p.m. — 11 p.m. —

Adults exercise

Headphones, bikes and spandex return to the plaza in droves for the most densely populated time slot. But now, many emerge just to exercise their right to be outside.

“We’re happy to go for a stroll and be outside,” said Norma Jimenez, 31.

For many who have been living alone for seven weeks, the outing represents a reconnection to community.

By 9 p.m., more than 500 people are in the plaza and many sit on the grass, waiting for the sun to set. The police see them and decide not to make them stand, as dictated by the rules.

Large spaces separate them as they chat facing the sinking sun.

“We don’t need to exercise. We just wanted to breathe outdoors and watch the sun set,” said Jorge Valverde, 38, sitting side by side with his girlfriend.