Spain eases some restrictions on workers as Italy records lowest death toll since March

Monday marks a return to regular activity for some non-essential businesses that were placed in a temporary period of “hibernation” in March as new Covid-19 cases are lower and Italy records lowest death rate since March.

In Spain the sectors returning to normal activity include the industrial and construction sectors that were forced to close for two weeks as the government ramped up existing confinement measures in a bid to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

The move brings Spain back to where it was two weeks ago in terms of economic activity. María José Sierra, the spokesperson for Spain’s Health Emergency Coordination Center, said the government is not expecting to see a new spike in Covid-19 cases as a result.

The decision to loosen some of Spain’s lockdown restrictions has been challenged by political opponents who caution against an “imprudent” relaxation of the rules.

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

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

As of Monday, more than 166,000 people in Spain had contracted the coronavirus, with 17,209 deaths nationwide, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

In Italy, there were 19,989 deaths registered on Sunday, which represented a daily jump of 431 deaths from the previous day and the lowest daily increase since March 19.

The Italian government announced Friday that the current lockdown measures would remain in place until May 3. Factories — which represent a key driver of the Italian economy — are not yet allowed to open their doors.