Spain’s 4-phase plan for easing lockdown

MADRID, Spain – Spain’s coronavirus lockdown is to be gradually eased in a four-step procedure which should be completed by the end of June, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Tuesday, April 28.

Approved by Spain’s cabinet, the so-called transition plan has no fixed dates, and each phase will last at least two weeks in line with the incubation period of the virus. 

Here is an outline of how the different phases will work: 

Starting out

The preparatory phase began on April 26 when Spain permitted children to go out for an hour a day with one parent, within a one-kilometer (half-mile) radius of home. 

On May 2, the rest of the population will be allowed out for walks or individual exercise. 

Government offices will be opened to those with prior appointments and restaurants will be able to prepare take-out orders. 

Professional sportsmen will be able to resume individual training, and all public locations will be cleaned and readied for phase one. 

Phase 1  

Expected to start on May 11.

Bars and restaurants will be able to reopen their terraces while restricting occupancy to a third of their normal capacity. Hotels and tourist accommodation will open while keeping communal areas shut and must respect capacity restrictions. 

Small shops may open, but not big shopping areas and all commercial activity must include hours giving priority to the over-65s.

Places of worship can open but with only a third of normal capacity.

Phase 2 

Bars and restaurants will be able to receive customers for table service only, restricting occupancy to a third of normal capacity.

Schools will open to children under 6 whose parents are unable to work from home. 

Places of worship will be able to expand their occupancy to 50% of their normal capacity.

Cultural events will resume with events limited to 50% occupancy, or 400 people if it is outdoors and people are seated.

Phase 3  

The last step before Spain enters “the new normal.”

All shops to open, while respecting a 50% capacity with customers observing social distancing norms. 

Restaurant capacities to be eased while ensuring a strict separation between customers. 

Although restrictions on movement will be further eased, no movement will be permitted between regions until both have completed phase 3, while the use of face masks outside of the home will be “strongly recommended,” particularly while using public transport. – Rappler.com