The streets of Barcelona are full of walkers and jogging people. It is a completely different picture from that of the past few weeks. “We had one of the strictest lockdowns in Europe, so everyone is happy that they can get out again,” says correspondent Alex Tieleman.
Previously only with a dog outside
Spain is one of the hardest hit countries by the corona virus. The measures were therefore strict. Only a dog was an excuse to take a walk outside.
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But the spike in the number of infections seems to be over, which is why the government has relaxed the measures. Last weekend, children under 14 were allowed to play outside again, and now it’s time for the adults too.
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On the doormat
“I really longed for this,” 45-year-old Mar Visser told Reuters news agency who is jogging outside. She lost her job because of the corona crisis and tried to keep moving at home with yoga.
To prevent everyone from taking to the streets at the same time, the government has introduced different times. Adults are allowed on the street between 06:00 and 10:00. Then the elderly for a walk and the children in the afternoon. “This also separates the risk groups, such as the elderly, from the rest,” says Tieleman.
“I haven’t been on my doormat in almost three months, until today,” says 90-year-old Augstina, relieved now that she can finally get out. “Finally we see light at the end of the tunnel,” says elderly Lorenzo.
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Roadmap
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced that the measures will be further relaxed in four steps in the coming weeks. On Monday, entrepreneurs such as hairdressers can open again. Cafés and restaurants will remain closed for at least another week.
“IC capacity is being looked at in all different regions of Spain. So not everyone will regain freedom at the same time,” explains Alex Tieleman. Certainly in badly hit cities like Madrid and Barcelona, it will take a while before the terraces open again.
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And that is why the Spaniards now take it from the freedom they are given. There is not much talk of distance. Alex Tieleman also sees the boulevard in the famous Barceloneta district full of people. “The Spaniards gasp for air. I can imagine that people are not careful now. But hopefully again afterwards.”
Danger has not yet passed
Because the danger has not yet passed in Spain. Today, new figures show that nearly 300 people have died of the virus again. The death toll in the country thus rises to more than 25,000.
“The worst thing that can happen is that there is a second wave, so the Spaniards keep looking at the numbers with tension. It is important that everyone adheres to the rules.”
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