'We're going out!': Spanish kids reclaim streets after weeks indoors
After six weeks stuck at home, Spain's children were allowed out Sunday to run, play or go for a walk as the government eased one of the world's toughest coronavirus lockdowns.
Spain is among the hardest hit countries, with a death toll running at more than 23,000, putting it behind only the United States and Italy despite stringent restrictions imposed from March 14.
But unlike other countries, Spain's children were kept indoors, with only adults allowed to leave the house to buy food, medicine, briefly walk the dog or seek urgent medical care.
On Sunday, Spanish children took to the streets of Madrid to enjoy their newfound freedom.
Some rollerbladed while others rode bikes or pushed toy prams around, many wearing small masks to cover their faces.
Some parents took precautions, dressing their kids with protective gear before going out.
From Sunday a maximum of three children under 14 years will be able to go out once a day, for one hour between 9:00 am and 9:00 pm, accompanied by one parent - and no further than one kilometre from their home.
Health Minister Salvador Illa on Friday said it would be "a first step towards easing" the lockdown after earlier insisting that people be very prudent "because the health of the nation is at stake".
The restriction on children had come under increasing criticism in Spain, with specialists warning of the danger it posed for their health and mental wellbeing.
Last week one of Spain's deputy prime ministers Pablo Iglesias apologised for keeping them at home for six weeks, acknowledging it was "not at all easy" for them and saying thank you.
All Spaniards will be allowed out for exercise and to take walks from next weekend, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Saturday.
The government will on Tuesday unveil its broader lockdown exit plan that will likely be put into action in the second half of May, he added.
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