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Spanish residents in 2/5 ran out of their homes when they were allowed to exercise outdoors for the first time after 7 weeks of lockout.
In the capital Madrid, cyclists and skaters swarm the vast streets of the city. The coast of Barcelona is full of runners, while surfers and surfers happily enjoy each wave.
The crowd running to the gym today could be a concern for Spanish officials, as they repeatedly emphasized that relaxing social restrictions must be done carefully. and it is for fitness and not for the crowds.
As one of the most severely affected countries in the world by Covid-19, Spain has imposed strict blockade orders since March, requiring residents to stay indoors unless necessary. Outdoor sports and recreational activities are prohibited.
Spaniards running today on the coast of Barcelona. Photos: Reuters
Charlotte Fraser-Prynne, 41, an expert from the British government, who now lives in Spain, was one of the first people to enjoy the free environment in Madrid when she went out to exercise.
“I have been waiting for this for weeks. I joke with my friends that I will be the first to go out in Madrid. I am very happy to be outside after 6 weeks of video yoga,” said Fraser-Prynne.
Fernando Simon, director of the Spanish Ministry of Health’s emergency coordination center, said that after residents were allowed to go out and exercise, the parks would be opened “at the appropriate time.” .
At a press conference in Madrid, Simon added that the goal of easing the restrictions was for people to exercise, not to gather in large groups. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also asked people to continue to maintain community isolation guidelines.
“Today, we have a new step to reduce the restrictions, but we still have to implement them carefully and responsibly. The virus is still there,” Sánchez published on Twitter.
As infection rates decreased and hospitals gradually took control of the situation, the Spanish government shifted its focus to reopening the country and gradually restored Covid-19’s devastated economy.
Last week, children under 14 in Spain were allowed to go out for an hour a day to participate in physical activities and sports under the supervision of an adult.
“The relaxation plan is very good. We have to do it little by little, as the WHO says, so that no other outbreak occurs,” said Susana Piego, 52, a resident of Madrid.
Prime Minister Sánchez announced this week a four-phase plan to gradually return the country to normal by the end of June. To avoid overcrowding when people rushed, the Spanish government divided. Add different time frames for different age groups.
Companies that operate by appointment, such as a hairdresser, may open on May 4. Bars and restaurants are closed for at least another week.
Covid-19 has appeared in 210 countries and territories, causing more than 3.4 million infected people and almost 240,000 people died. Spain, the second largest epidemic region in the world, currently registers more than 245,000 infections, of which more than 25,000 have died.
Ngoc Anh (The O Reuters)
