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People do exercises at the Arco de Triunfo in Barcelona, Spain. Xinhua News Agency/PA Images

Spain begins to ease its strict lockdown from today, as parts of Europe slowly open up

Italy and France plan to ease restrictions in the coming week, while the UK isn’t quite there yet.

SPAIN’S CITIZENS HAVE returned to jogging, cycling and exercising in public for the first time after 48 days of confinement ended today, as some European nations cautiously eased virus lockdowns.

As governments across the globe weigh how to lift restrictions to restart economies against the risk of new infections, US authorities brought some hope by approving an experimental drug for emergency use on coronavirus patients.

The decision was the latest step in a global push to find treatments and a vaccine for the coronavirus, which has left half of humanity under some form of lockdown and pushed the world economy towards its worst downturn since the Great Depression in the 1930s.

The virus has killed nearly 239,000 people worldwide and caused more than 3.3 million confirmed infections since it emerged in China late last year.

With signs the pandemic in their hardest-hit nations is slowing, European countries and some parts of the US have begun to lift restrictions to try to inject life into economies crippled by weeks of closure.

From Madrid to Mallorca, Spaniards flocked to the streets as they were allowed to exercise and walk freely outside as the government eased seven weeks of strict lockdown in a country with one of the highest number of fatalities at nearly 25,000.

“After so many weeks in confinement, I badly wanted to go out, run, see the world,” said financial advisor Marcos Abeytua in Madrid’s Chueca district who got up a 7am to enjoy some time outside. “Yesterday, I was like a child on Christmas Eve.”

Near the city’s Retiro Park, many residents were out to running, sometimes in groups, as a policeman used a loudspeaker to urge them to keep out of the deserted avenue and on the pavement.

Crowds of runners mingled with cyclists and skateboarders enjoying sports in the sun in Barcelona’s seaside neighbourhood.

“This all seems a bit crazy to me. On the first day we get some freedom I don’t see any safe distancing at all,” said Christian, an Italian living in Barcelona. “I didn’t expect to see thousands of people running like this.”

daily-life-in-malaga-spain-amid-coronavirus-crisis-02-may-2020 People work out at Malagueta beach amid the coronavirus crisis. SIPA USA / PA Images SIPA USA / PA Images / PA Images

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez however said masks would be obligatory on public transport from Monday, and children and elderly will still face some time restrictions on when they can go outside.

Spain, Germany, Austria and Scandinavian nations are all gradually easing lockdowns as the virus cases slow though they will keep in place social distancing measures, the use of masks and testing to try to track infections.

France has decided to extend a health emergency by two months until 24 July, but still plans to lift parts of its lockdown on 11 May (including reopening primary schools).

Health Minister Olivier Veran told a news conference that to lift the health emergency, which began on 24 March, at the same time would be premature and carry the risk of a resurgence of the outbreak.

“We are going to have to perform a long-distance run,” Veran said, adding he was aware that the French people had already been asked for “colossal efforts” in the fight against the virus.

As part of the planned measures, Veran said anybody entering France will have to remain confined for two weeks. This would typically concern “French people who travelled abroad and who want to come home”, he said.

Anyone arriving from abroad and infected with the virus would be obliged by law to be quarantined.

Infected people already in France will, however, not be forced to accept isolation and treatment, as “we trust French people’s sense of responsibility”, Veran said.

“We are going to have to live with the virus for a while,” Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said after Saturday’s cabinet meeting deciding the extension.

Learning to live with the virus, that’s what’s at stake in the coming months.

france-paris-covid-19-film-on-the-wall Residents watch a film screened on the wall at the rue Daubenton in Paris. 1 May 2020. Xinhua News Agency / PA Images Xinhua News Agency / PA Images / PA Images

The UK, meanwhile, has announced 621 more deaths in the coronavirus outbreak, taking the overall cumulative toll to 28,131, just behind Europe’s worst-hit country Italy.

The British government said that 182,260 people had tested positive for Covid-19, up 4,806 on yesterday. But hospital admissions had fallen, it added.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday that the country had “past the peak” of the virus, as he comes under mounting pressure to ease lockdown restrictions imposed in late March.

A review is expected this Thursday and Johnson said the government would outline a plan to lift social distancing measures that would keep transmissions rates down.

“The very strong advice today is that moment has not yet come,” housing minister Robert Jenrick told a daily briefing on the government’s response to the outbreak. 

Italy‘s death toll jumped by the highest number since 21 April, after previously uncounted deaths outside hospitals were added in.

The 474 fatalities reported by the civil protection service took the Mediterranean country’s total since February to 28,710, second only to the US.

But the toll included 282 uncounted deaths in April that Milan’s Lombardy region said it had reported to the civil protection service on Saturday.

The northern region recorded most of Italy’s initial deaths, and its toll now accounts for just under half of the country’s total.

Italy’s real number of fatalities is believed to be substantially higher than the official figure because few deaths in care homes or in the community are reported.

After a two-month shutdown, from Monday Italians will be allowed to stroll in parks and visit relatives. Restaurants can open for takeout and wholesale stores can resume business.

“We must maintain social distancing, maximum hygiene levels, and masks. We’ve done our bit to the best of our ability. From Monday, it’s up to you,” emergency response official Domenico Arcuri said at a press conference.

I implore you, do not lower your guards.

In Russia, though, authorities reported the largest increase in coronavirus cases with the new infections rising by nearly 10,000 in a single day.

In Moscow, the epicentre of Russia’s outbreak, around 2% of the population is infected by Covid-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, officials said.

“The threat is apparently on the rise,” Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, said on his blog earlier today.

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    Mute james
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    Aug 9th 2015, 8:26 PM

    They sacked me after two days in the costume….something about a massive chip on my shoulder.

    236
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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Aug 9th 2015, 8:33 PM

    Tayto park could do a lot more for kids with special needs.
    Went there recently and my six year who has limited mobility was very disappointed she could go on so little.
    A local fairground in crosshaven was far better she could go on most rides.
    Come on Mr Tayto it won’t cost the earth

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    Mute Ann Mc Loughlin-O'Connor
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    Aug 9th 2015, 9:00 PM

    Did you flag your child’s disability to staff? We’ve always had a very positive experience…even told we were welcome to take our sons sn trike with us if it made visiting easier. I do agree that there’s not a lot that they can go on but tbh I find that with lots of theme parks. Recently attended a party for my son’s friend…all the children had SN and the staff couldn’t have been nicer…learned all the kids names and made them all feel so welcome. Just our experience though. I’m not dissing yours in any way.

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    Mute Suzie Sunsine
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    Aug 9th 2015, 9:12 PM

    but I don’t see why you should have to ring ahead ? they should cater for all children . I can understand if its for a party but not just to visit the park .

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    Mute Ann Mc Loughlin-O'Connor
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    Aug 9th 2015, 9:16 PM

    I didn’t say ring ahead. I just asked if they made staff aware of child’s limited mobility…sometimes there are ways around things. I’m a parent of a SN child and sometimes it helps to make others aware and ask about alternatives but as I said I do agree that there are limited things to do in Tayto Park as there are in other themed parks for children with disabilities. It’s definitely something that needs addressing.

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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Aug 9th 2015, 9:22 PM

    Hi Anne. No we didn’t flag it in advance. Didn’t see need too tbh. I agree staff were very friendly.
    I had issues with the playground, sand isn’t conducive to pushing a wheelchair.
    My daughter can walk short distances but the playground wasn’t suitable for her.
    When a local playground has more a child with special needs can go on then Tayto park has no excuse.
    I know it’s in a different league and we haven’t visited it but I hear Euro Disney has loads for special needs kids.
    Surely they could take on board some of the attractions they have if not all.

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    Mute Ann Mc Loughlin-O'Connor
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    Aug 9th 2015, 9:26 PM

    I think you should definitely give them that feedback. I’m not sure re Eurodisney either but trip planned for November so I’ll let you know then! I’ve never phoned in advance but have certainly asked at pay point. You’re right though there definitely should be more inclusion for our children which is why I say you should email them your feedback.

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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Aug 9th 2015, 9:28 PM

    Sorry Anne. Suzie mentioned ringing ahead. As for flagging it she was in a wheelchair so it was obvious she had special needs.
    I’d be slow to return certainly with our daughter until Tayto park improves its attractions.
    On the other hand out 8 year old loved the park but his abled bodied

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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Aug 9th 2015, 9:38 PM

    I emailed them the day after and received an email saying they intend to install a carousel sometime in 2015.
    Few days later I emailed with a link to a feature in the Irish examiner of a new playground opened in cork designed specially for special needs kids but sadly have yet to receive a response over a week later. Enjoy eurodisney hopefully u can share your views. I’m on face book and twitter

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    Mute Suzie Sunsine
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    Aug 9th 2015, 9:44 PM

    maybe I shouldn’t have said ring ahead , but what I mean is the you shouldn’t have to let me them know , they should cater regardless . I have been to euro Disney and u can tell you that most , if not , every ride is wheelchair accessible , ramps everywhere , very accommodating and the staff are great .

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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Aug 9th 2015, 9:54 PM

    That’s what I heard as well. Love to bring our daughter to eurodisney someday. Be hard at the moment.
    Certainly Tayto park would benifit from visiting Euro Disney to take on board a few ideas.
    As I said to Anne it’s poor from Tayto park when a local fairground in cork has more to go on than Tayto park,

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    Mute hit shappens
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    Aug 9th 2015, 9:54 PM

    i would’nt say euro Disney and tayto park are really comparable suzie

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    Mute Suzie Sunsine
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    Aug 9th 2015, 10:06 PM

    I’m not comparing , the question was brought up about euro Disney that’s all . when tayto park was being built this is something that should’ve been factored in automatically . children with disabilities or children in wheelchairs should be able to get on the rides .

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    Mute hit shappens
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    Aug 9th 2015, 10:11 PM

    and Why should they have to ring ahead suzie?you brought that up as well

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    Mute Suzie Sunsine
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    Aug 9th 2015, 10:23 PM

    diarmuid , I do hope you get to bring your daughter one day , you will have nothing to worry about when you get there .that’s the way it should be .

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    Mute Suzie Sunsine
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    Aug 9th 2015, 10:35 PM

    hit I did being that up , in response to another poster who asked did they not flag it with the staff . I have already explained what I meant by saying that .

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    Mute Suzie Sunsine
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    Aug 9th 2015, 10:36 PM

    * bring *

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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Aug 9th 2015, 11:20 PM

    Yes I certainly wouldn’t be rushing back to Tayto park. In 2015 it’s poor that they very little attractions that are accessible to kids with special needs. Yes euro Disney is on the agenda for the future

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    Mute Tordelback
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    Aug 10th 2015, 8:00 AM

    Very interesting discussion. When we first went to (generally excellent) Tayto Park, my youngest was 2 or so, and there was very little for her to do – but at least there was the giant sandpit/playground. I never really thought to extend this experience to include children with disabilities, who mightn’t even be able to access that. While the big attractions at TP are aimed at the older able-bodied child, there really is no reason that a fraction of the budget invested in those rides couldn’t be focused on providing attractions for kids with more limited mobility. It really is just a matter of thought and consideration.

    That said, I found Tayto Park a very well-run, friendly and enjoyable experience – making it all the more important that it be more inclusive.

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    Mute Diarmuid
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    Aug 10th 2015, 9:02 AM

    Yes it wouldn’t cost the earth to include a few attractions that both able bodied and special needs kids can use.
    The playground is one obvious example no thought given to anyone with special needs.
    On the other hand though our 8 year old had a great time but even his fun was some what curtailed as Sarah made it quite clear she was bored and not happy which did limit our time there

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    Mute catherine
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    Aug 9th 2015, 8:26 PM

    How many times do I have to say it. Mr Tayto is real!

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    Mute Pete Robinson
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    Aug 9th 2015, 8:24 PM

    And this is news !!

    27
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    Mute Paul Roche
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    Aug 9th 2015, 8:26 PM

    There’s a man in there?

    31
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    Mute The Girl
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    Aug 9th 2015, 8:34 PM

    Yes it’s news on the journal. If you want serious news all day go to CNN. Let the journal be. It mixes crazy news, good news, bad news and no news so its readers don’t get depressed from all the craziness in the world. You don’t like it, move on…

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    Mute Qwerty
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    Aug 9th 2015, 8:36 PM

    Hunky Dorys is the last bastion of good crisps left in this brave new world of continually reduced salt and fat content in our crisps, done in order to appease the healthy eating advocates in their vain attempt to stop fatties from eating unhealthily.

    I ate a packet of McCoy salt and vinegar crisps recently and I was sorely disappointed. It tasted like just vinegar and no salt. Back about 13 odd years ago McCoy crisps had noticeable grease on them. They felt heavier and had good taste to boot.

    Hunky Dorys is the last samurai of good old-fashioned unhealthy crisps. These are dark times we live in, dark times indeed.

    27
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    Mute catherine
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    Aug 9th 2015, 8:41 PM

    Take your Hunkey dory crazy talk elsewhere. This is Tayto country.

    44
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    Mute Buckwheat MacMillan
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    Aug 9th 2015, 8:47 PM

    Hunky dorys are made by tayto!

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    Mute Qwerty
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    Aug 9th 2015, 8:50 PM

    Tayto is ok. But it would be better if the packet was four times the size and jammed full of crisps. It’s on certain issues like this I wish we took a leaf from America’s book. Massive bags of crisps laden with msg (for good flavour), salt and fat. At least Hunky Dorys still has msg. I don’t expect it to last though. Nothing is sacred these days.

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    Mute dave ocallaghan
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    Aug 9th 2015, 8:57 PM

    Did u not ever have the big big bag???!, it must be 6 or 8 normal bags in one

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    Mute Qwerty
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    Aug 9th 2015, 9:08 PM

    Yes, but I shouldn’t have to buy multiple small packets in order to eat a satisfying amount of crisps in one go. There should be a much larger single bag.

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    Mute Armonline
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    Aug 9th 2015, 10:22 PM

    Tayto and hunky Dorys have a big bag that is s not a multipack

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    Mute ken
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    Aug 10th 2015, 6:43 AM

    Was in the the park at the weekend when you leave used to get a family size bag of crisps to take with you now you get one small pack €300 spent getting more like Walt Disney

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    Mute Andy Murray
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    Aug 10th 2015, 3:46 PM

    Why does there have to be a model on a bench with her legs in the air? FFS. Every news story in Ireland has an obligatory model cheesing the picture up for no reason. It’s as if we won’t read a story unless there’s legs on show. We’re better than this.

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