Spain’s health authorities have announced that some restrictions will be lifted later on Monday. Following the country reported its lowest daily growth in confirmed COVID-19 infections in three weeks, some daily workers are preparing to return to their jobs as lockdown restrictions are relaxed.
Spain’s intention to ease the strict rules will be closely watched by other countries as they also try to plan for how to end their own restrictions. Commenting on possible easing the rules, the Spanish authorities warned that the country will keep social distancing measures.
As of Monday morning, more than 60,000 people have recovered from the novel infection, while a total number of COVID-19 deaths is 16,972 and its number of confirmed cases – 166,000.
Workers in industry and construction will be able to return to work on Monday after a two-week shutdown closed all sectors apart from healthcare and food.
So far, the shops will remain closed, apart from supermarkets, fruit stands, bakeries, butchers, news-stands and pharmacies. Those who can work from home will be asked to continue this. According to the government, these rules are expected to remain into May.
The move will be watched closely by other countries, amid fears that lifting restrictions too soon could allow a second wave of the virus.
Those who do return to work should maintain social distancing, said Maria Jose Sierra, deputy head of health emergencies. If there is a person who shows the slightest symptom, they should contact the health system and remain in self-isolation – that rule remains the same.
China where the COVID-19 infection originated still has social distancing rules, temperature checks and other measures while businesses reopen and people start to resume a normal life.
