IF NUMBERS of Covid-19 cases continue to fall, Spain's adults could finally be allowed out for short walks, runs or cycle rides from Saturday (May 2) and will be permitted to go outside in company, with members of the same household.
This is part of the long-awaited winding-down process from the total lockdown the country has been in since March 16, although it is likely to be 'staggered' by region.
National president Pedro Sánchez says the easing of restrictions will be 'at several speeds', 'asymmetric' and 'gradual'.
It will be based upon how the pandemic develops in each region, meaning some may be able to return to relative normality much sooner than others – but the procedures to follow on the journey from complete confinement to business as usual will be followed throughout the country, albeit at different times.
Sánchez says the wind-down will 'take up the whole of May' and then the country would 'see what happened in June', as to whether the virus spread was reduced or contained enough to relax measures even further.
“It's important to be cautious – it's not a race to see who's the first to open a shopping centre,” Sánchez warned.
Various regions have presented their own plans for easing of restrictions, which Sánchez says he will 'take into account', but stresses that it will be the central government, not regional ones, which lead the way.
He held a video-conference meeting with the regional presidents on Sunday, although at the moment, he cannot give exact dates or timescales.
“We're not going to put a date on the reopening of each and every business – we're going to set indicators according to the gradual transition in the different regions towards each phase.
“Our fundamental criterion is to ensure all health services in each region are in a situation of being prepared for a hypothetical second outbreak; that, and for the return to normality not to suppose a risk of a new rise in contagions.
“We're working on the basis of seeing what capabilities we have so that as we start going forward towards this new normality, we won't be putting at risk what we've achieved to date,” Sánchez concludes.
This weekend could see residents out on the streets again, although it is not guaranteed to be permanent or even long-term – Sunday saw children going out for walks again with their parents for the first time in 43 days, but a significant minority flouted the rules to such an extent that the health service has warned it may be banned again.
Footage on social media, which evinced outraged comments from users, seemed to show adults and children walking in large groups, gathering to chat, children not from the same household playing together, and people relaxing on beaches.
If this continues, and if adults let out to go for walks do likewise, a total ban on leaving the house except for essential errands – as up until Sunday – will come back into force.
It is possible that adult outings may be staggered, with different time slots, where practical.
