Coronavirus: the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona reopens to key workers


Health workers and off-duty police officers were among those who had access to the Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona on SaturdayImage copyright
Reuters

One of Spain’s most famous landmarks, the Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona, ​​has reopened its doors to visitors for the first time since it closed in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

During the first few days, access to the structure will skyrocket only to those who helped fight the virus in the city, including health workers and police officers.

Health workers, police officers and NGO staff visit the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia with their families as it reopens after the outbreak of coronavirus disease, in Barcelona, ​​Spain, on July 4, 2020.Image copyright
Reuters

In the next phase, Barcelona residents will have free access to the building, designed by the Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí.

People hug each other in the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, ​​Spain, July 4, 2020Image copyright
Reuters

Gaudí’s still unfinished masterpiece is the most visited building in Spain, attracting approximately 4.5 million people in a typical year.

Antoni Gaudi's building attracts approximately 4.5 million people in a normal yearImage copyright
Reuters

Opening to a limited number of key workers on Saturday meant distancing measures could be followed, while visitors also wore masks.

Key workers visiting the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Spain wore masksImage copyright
Reuters

For the past three months, the Sagrada Familia has been empty of visitors due to established restrictions to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Visitors to the Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona, ​​SpainImage copyright
Reuters

Tourists may return at a later date, which has yet to be announced.

A man cleans the Sagrada Familia basilica before it reopens, after being closed for more than three months due to the coronavirus outbreak, Spain July 3, 2020Image copyright
Reuters

On Friday, a large-scale cleanup operation was conducted at the popular tourist attraction before the reopening.

The Basilica of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is closed to the general public and tourists.Image copyright
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Spain has registered more than 250,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 28,385 Covid-19 related deaths, according to the latest data collected by Johns Hopkins University.


More news about coronaviruses in Spain and throughout Europe

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Media captionThe Alhambra Palace in Spain reopens to visitors

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