Coronavirus: Spain begins to ease lockdown rules, death rate slows in Italy

The decision to loosen some of Spain's lockdown restrictions has been challenged by political opponents, at a time when Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wants a "great pact" to boost the economy. The pandemic is taking its toll on the Spanish economy. Jobless claims rose by 302,265 last month, according to the Spanish labour ministry. The Italian government announced Friday that the current lockdown measures would remain in place until May 3, with some exceptions.

Construction and factory workers in Spain return to work on Monday as the government lifts some of the most stringent lockdown measures, but opposition parties caution against an “imprudent” relaxation of the rules.

Spain, one of the worst-hit nations by Covid-19, has allowed some factories to reopen as well as some construction work to restart, after the sectors were ordered to stop production two weeks ago. However, the message from government officials is that the country remains in lockdown mode. Schools, bars, restaurants and other services continue to be closed to the public and Spaniards are meant to stay at home.

The decision to loosen some of Spain’s lockdown restrictions has been challenged by political opponents, at a time when Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wants a “great pact” to boost the economy.

“We must start the de-escalation in political tension now and give way to unity, dialogue, consensus and agreement as soon as possible,” Sanchez said Sunday.

“We need a great pact for the economic and social reconstruction of our country,” the prime minister added.

The Spanish government is formed by Sanchez’s Socialist party and the anti-austerity group Unidas Podemos. The coalition gained enough parliamentary support in January thanks to the abstention of smaller parties. The executive also faces some frictions with regional governments, including in Catalonia.

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[harisasif]

Please Allah forgive us, please end this Corona Virus everywhere in the world, so many people have died please save us now, Amen