People wait to take a subway in Barcelona, Spain, on May 11, 2020. The Spanish Ministry of Health, Consumer Affairs and Social Services on Monday reported a drop in the numbers of daily COVID-19 deaths and new cases in the country. Over half of Spain's population have seen an easing of lockdown restrictions starting Monday, as some areas have moved into the second stage of the government's "asymmetrical" plan to gradually take the country to a "new normality" after controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Sergi Camara/Xinhua)
MADRID, May 11 (Xinhua) -- Over half of Spain's population will see an easing of lockdown restrictions starting Monday, as some areas move into the second stage of the government's "asymmetrical" plan to gradually take the country to a "new normality" after controlling the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fifty-one percent of the population has been allowed to progress to Phase One by the Spanish Ministry for Health, Consumer Affairs and Social Services, while regions of Madrid, Catalonia, as well as some provinces in the Communities of Valencia, Andalusia (Malaga and Granada) and cities in Castilla-Leon (central Spain) remain at Phase Zero after failing to meet certain criteria.
Whether a region is able to progress from one phase to another depends on several categories, such as the total number of infections, the number of new cases and the number of people taken to the hospital or intensive care, as well as the numbers of spare beds and intensive care units in hospitals.
The regions that have moved into Phase 1 will see a gradual reopening of commerce, with bars allowed to open outside terraces at 50 percent capacity with at least two meters between tables and strict hygiene measures, while shops under 400 square meters in size can open at 30 percent of capacity as can libraries and museums.
Meetings of up to 10 people are allowed, with people able to travel within the limits of the province where they live to visit family members in other municipalities. Places of worship will open at 30 percent capacity, while funerals can be held with up to 15 mourners.
Members of the same family can travel in the same car or sit next to each other on public transport, although they have to respect social distancing, and everyone taking public transport has to wear a face mask.
Outdoor food markets can also begin to operate at 25 percent capacity, while sports centers are permitted to open to allow people to train individually and outdoors, while changing rooms remaining closed.
The Phase One will last at least two weeks before some regions are allowed to progress to Phase Two, which will further ease restrictions and allow restaurants and bars to serve at a limited capacity indoors.
