SPAIN TO PHASE OUT LOCKDOWN BY MID-MAY
aims to begin winding down its coronavirus lockdown in the second half of May, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Wednesday, though restrictions could come back if the epidemic worsens again in one of the worst-hit nations.
With the world’s second most infections—more than 200,000—and Europe’s second highest death toll—21,282— Spain has imposed one of the severest lockdowns, including a controversial bar on children leaving homes even for walks.
It has taken a few tentative easing steps, including allowing some workers to return from last week and giving permission for children to go outside from next weekend, but most restrictions remain in force.
With the epidemic seemingly having passed its peak, measures will be eased slowly and gradually to ensure safety, Sanchez said in a parliamentary session where he asked lawmakers to extend the state of emergency until May 9.
“We will be going back and forth depending on how the pandemic evolves,” he said.
On Tuesday night, the government bowed to public pressure and said children under 14 would be able to take short walks outside under supervision.
The Cabinet had initially said children would only be allowed to accompany parents to buy food or medicine, provoking criticism on social media and pot-banging protests on balconies.
A sharp slowdown in infections has Spaniards optimistic that their nightmare may be easing, and officials are turning their attention to restarting the flagging economy.