‘We’re going out!’: Spanish kids reclaim streets after weeks indoors

by Thomas Perroteau

After six weeks stuck at home, Spain’s children were allowed out Sunday to run, play or go for a walk as the government eased one of the world’s toughest coronavirus lockdowns.

Spain is among the hardest hit countries, with a death toll running at more than 23,000, putting it behind only the United States and Italy despite stringent restrictions imposed from March 14.

But unlike other countries, Spain’s children were kept indoors, with only adults allowed to leave the house to buy food, medicine, briefly walk the dog or seek urgent medical care.

On Sunday, Spanish children took to the streets of Madrid to enjoy their newfound freedom.

Some rollerbladed while others rode bikes or pushed toy prams around, many wearing small masks to cover their faces.

“It has been very good for me to get out,” said six-year-old Ricardo after a runaround in Madrid with his younger sister.

“We played hide and seek, we raced. We found a ladybug that was lost and we put it in among the ants.”

Some parents took precautions, dressing their kids with protective gear before going out.

“They’re all properly equipped with masks and gloves,” said Miguel Lopez, father of two children aged six and three, and who lives in an apartment in northwest Madrid.

“It’s like a day out for them, it’s the most interesting thing for them in a month,” Lopez told AFP. (AFP)