Spain’s coronavirus lockdown is slowly being eased, and people are twitchy for the newly restored privilege of exercise.
The country is gradually beginning its de-escalation from the strictest lockdown rules in Europe, with adults allowed outside for solo exercise near their homes for the first time since the confinement began on March 15.
Coronavirus has ravaged Spain with a death toll over 25,000. Spain has been one of the hardest hit countries in the world, and making its major tourist destinations the epicenter of infection.
Essential work of all kinds
It’s been a long and testing confinement for 46 million Spaniards - schools are closed, and for almost eight weeks people have only been allowed outside to go to their essential jobs, the supermarket, the pharmacy or to provide care for others.
Catalonia and its capital Barcelona is Spain's second worst hit area.
Forty-five year old Christian Aleman has been the facilities manager of an apartment building in central Barcelona for 17 years.
Although his job hasn’t been classified as strictly essential, he has still been helping the mostly older tenants in his building in whatever ways he can.
“Today we ring everyone and ask if anyone needs help. Help with the groceries. Remember, many elderly people live here,” he says.
Delivering essential medicines and groceries to those in the building, the residents of his apartment block say his services provide them with essential services of a different kind.
“It's a little scary. I'm 81, my husband's 92. We're two elderly people, we're gonna stay here now. We're not going back to the hospital,” says Mrs Pfiere, one of the residents of the building.
“Well, what can I say, I'm a little playful and I'm better than ever. Christian brings everything home. I don't have to do anything. I don't even get tired. It's our vacation.”
Forty-five year old Christian Aleman is trying to care for tenants in his building. Source: Dateline
A breath of fresh air on Spanish balconies
The strict lockdown has also been a major challenge for many people because life in Spain takes place in the vibrant markets, bars and cafes.
And with the Spring weather - people want to be outdoors.
The government hopes allowing exercise will the first step to easing lockdown measures, gradually leading to the opening of economic activity in the coming weeks.
Despite the challenges, every evening people all across Spain have been stepping out onto their balconies to cheer each other up, and vocalise their support for the country’s essential services.
Lockdown has taken its toll in Spain. Many have tried to breath life into their time in quarantine. Source: Dateline
They sing a song that’s become a Spanish COVID-19 Anthem – Resistire.
“People took heart. People started going out on the balcony and applauding. And that's when it all started. We decided then to connect our stereo and play songs like "I will survive" and "I will resist". Mainly for the neighbours. Not just for us, but for the rest of the street,” says 27 year old Fran Sigues, a local musician.
As a part of their road to recovery from COVID-19, from this week, Spain will start "Phase Zero" of its transition to "new normality". Some stores will be allowed to open for a limited number of clients, by appointment only, and some restaurants will be allowed to open with limited takeaway service, as announced by Prime Minister Sanchez last week.
