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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Ewan Somerville

Spain coronavirus daily deaths drop to 179 as lockdown begins to lift

Spain is finally beginning to step out of lockdown (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

The daily coronavirus death toll in Spain has dropped to 179, raising hopes for the country as it finally begins lifting its lockdown.

The country’s Ministry of Health also recorded just 721 new confirmed cases on Friday, bringing total infections to 223,578.

At its peak, Spain saw more than 900 deaths per day and its total death toll currently stands at 26,478 - among the worst-hit in Europe.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will begin a phased easing of the lockdown on Monday, after almost two months of stay-at-home orders.

Spain has allowed some small businesses to reopen (Getty Images)

It follows a seemingly successful exit strategy that has seen small businesses open by appointment-only, restaurants open for takeaway and construction sites reopened.

Phase one of the easing will see some churches and museums partially opened, along with terraces of bars and restaurants at 50 per cent capacity.

Hotels, which have been closed since a state of emergency was declared on March 14, will also be allowed to open as long as they seal off communal areas.

The country hopes to reach phase four by the end of June, when the PM expects a “new norm” to begin.

The Spanish Government has deemed Madrid among the regions not yet ready to lift any lockdown curbs, affecting around half the population. It has prompted fury among the city’s business leaders and led to the resignation of one politician.

Spain is the third worst-hit country in Europe behind Italy and Britain.

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