Coronavirus: Spain enjoys first exercise freedom for weeks

The lockdown has eased in Spain, but there are still time restrictions on when people can be outdoors
Spanish adults have been jogging and cycling for the first time after seven weeks of coronavirus lockdown.
The lockdown - one of Europe's strictest - was eased for children a week ago, yet the amount of outdoor exercise time remains limited.
There are now exercise slots for different age groups. Most adults can walk or play sports between 06:00 and 10:00, and between 20:00 and 23:00.
Spain's official death toll is 24,824, but the rate of fatalities has dropped.
Italy has Europe's highest death toll, followed by the UK and Spain. The Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has announced that the wearing of masks on public transport will be made compulsory from Monday.
He also said his government would approve a €16 billion ($17.57 bn; £14 bn) fund to help regional authorities deal with the economic damage inflicted by the coronavirus pandemic.
In Madrid, residents voiced relief to be finally exercising outdoors. "Happy, we feel free!" Susana Piego told Reuters.
Jesus Gutierrez said "it's basic, for physical and mental health, it is basic to allow people to do sport".
Since 14 March people have only been allowed to leave the house to buy food or medicine, to go to work if working from home was not possible, or to briefly walk the dog.
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A normal Saturday? Not yet

Guy Hedgecoe, BBC News, Madrid
Spaniards have made the most of the latest easing of the national lockdown, as they have taken to the streets in droves since early this morning.
In many areas, the large numbers who took to the streets made it look almost like a normal Saturday morning, yet social distancing was observed and few cars were on the roads.
Some, however, remain reluctant to venture out.
"I want to go out because it's a beautiful day," said Carmen Pérez, a 65-year-old in Madrid. "But I'm a bit scared of getting infected."
Anna Lindsay, BBC News, Barcelona
While we all understand why we have been in 'la cuarentena' ['quarantine'], I can say from first-hand experience that seven weeks inside our homes, except for essential journeys, has been a test.
For most city residents, buying food or visiting a pharmacy involves walking no further than a few dozen metres.
Today is different. People are in sports gear and running, walking and cycling freely.
A man is playing Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballe's famous song Barcelona loudly down at the water's edge and a nearby advertising board says, "Bienvenidos a la libertad - Welcome to freedom.
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Until last week Spain was the only country in Europe where children under 14 could not leave home at all.
From 12:00 to 19:00 only children aged 14 and under are allowed to go outside, accompanied by an adult. The remaining slots are set aside for elderly and vulnerable people.
Teenagers aged 14 and above can go out for exercise once in one of the adult slots.
Media captionChildren in Spain can play outside again
Lockdowns in other European countries are also being eased, though social distancing remains in force. Some countries require mask-wearing in shops and on public transport.
From Monday passengers travelling on Eurostar from the UK will have to wear a face mask or face covering, in line with guidelines from the French and Belgian governments.
Any type of mask is suitable, Eurostar says, as long as it effectively covers the nose and mouth. Those without masks may be refused travel.
Eurostar has drastically cut its services running between London, Paris and Brussels, with four trains running daily.
In Austria small shops reopened two weeks ago, but now all stores are permitted to start up business again. Hairdressers and beauty salons are also allowed to operate.
Hungary is allowing business travel from some countries.
And in Germany, churches, museums and playgrounds will open on Monday.Meanwhile, the Irish Taoiseach (prime minister) Leo Varadkar has outlined a plan to reopen his country's economy.
On 18 May it is planned that outdoor workers, including builders, will return to their jobs. DIY and hardware stores will reopen.
From that date, Mr Varadkar said, it would be possible to meet friends and family in small groups outdoors, and some sporting activity would be allowed, again in small groups.

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