Spain announces partial easing of virus lockdown

Spain on Friday announced that the restrictions on the movement of just over half of the country's population will be eased from next week.

Health Minister Salvador Illa said that areas which had met stipulated targets to ease an almost two-month virus lockdown accounted for 51% of Spain's about 47 million people.

From Monday, the areas which qualify for the next phase of a gradual loosening of the constraints will be allowed to reopen outdoor areas for smaller restaurants and bars, with 50% of their seating capacity made available.

Social gatherings of up to 10 people, family reunions, open-air markets, church services and museum openings will also be permitted in those areas, though with some limitations.

The Madrid region, which leads Spain with more than 64,000 confirmed cases from the virus, and most of Catalonia, with more than 51,000, did not qualify for the partial lifting of restrictions.

Spain has reported 26,299 deaths from COVID-19 and 260,177 confirmed cases.