The Government has announced that children up to 14 years old will be able to go out once a day from this Sunday, for one hour, between 9:00 and 21:00.
They will be allowed to play in the street with balls, scooters and other toys that do not involve other children.
The Executive has apologised to minors for the mistakes of the last few days and confirmed that they can travel up to one kilometre from their home but must be accompanied by a responsible adult who lives with them, at all times.
The Vice President, Pablo Iglesias, has explained that a maximum of 3 children will also be able to go out with an older brother or sister and that social distancing must be respected in relation to other families and children.
Iglesias apologises to the children
Before announcing the details of the de-escalation of coronavirus restrictions for children from April 26, Pablo Iglesias thanked children for the efforts they’ve made during the weeks of confinement and apologised to them.
"I know that listening to a Government announcement from La Moncloa with your parents can be boring, but we are talking about you and I want to apologise because in the last few hours we have not been as clear as we should have been about the conditions for you going out from Sunday,” he said.
He continued, ”I know that confinement is not easy for you; not going to school; not seeing friends and family and having to play alone at home, without being allowed to go outside and I want to thank you. When difficult decisions are made, mistakes can be made and that is why we are apologising to you", he concluded.
Going outside with children
The Government insists that social distancing is mandatory and that the use of a hygienic mask by children is recommended if adequate social distancing cannot be fulfilled.
The Vice President has stated that visits to parks and participation in common children's games are still prohibited, but kids can run, jump and exercise.
In rural areas, children will be able to go out in the countryside and the forests, but again they must respect social distancing.
Any children who have a fever, possible symptoms of COVID-19 or are in quarantine must not leave the house.
The Ministerial Order for the de-escalation of coronavirus restrictions for children will be published in the BOE on Saturday and will come into force on Sunday; an accessible guide will be published to resolve any doubts.
Government rectification
The Vice President, Pablo Iglesias has acknowledged that there was confusion over the de-escalation of coronavirus restrictions for children in the beginning and insists that the Government's rectification was not caused by a reaction from Podemos, but by criticism from society as a whole.
"We didn't explain ourselves well in the beginning, but that same afternoon we got to work with the Minister of Health and different technical teams, then we explained how it should be done," he said.
6 comments
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Didnt explain themselves well? No, they were hoping to get away with as little as possible and everyone kicked up a fuss so they backpedaled as they damn well should have done. I suspect history will show the Spanish government in a bad light with their dealings on this virus.
Any person that agrees with this kind of measures is headless sheep.These are silly law updates. Children to an age of 14... The adolescent age children stuck inside their houses while their hormones are raging.I agree with ban on bars, club and public getterings. But we can't even take a walk to a beach, or go on a hike to the mountains. This is exaggeration and restriction of basic human rights. Jesus Christ in what age do we live..
its heartbreaking that its so warm outside and you have to remain indoors for safety now its the babies and kids on saturday i beleive that can go to local walkable playgrounds , parks . They cant stay at 2 metres away from each other (bueno suarte) ,and parents will also find it very hard to . I think the elderly or plus 60 s WILL BE VERY SCARED TO BE CLOSE TO THEIR GRANDCHILDREN knowing they have just come back from a beach or park. such a scary time .
They are still not explaining themselves well. Have I got this right? A child can go up to 1km from their house if accompanied by an adult. But an adult on their own can't unless it's to the bank, supermarket or work. But not just for a healthy, good for soul walk? If that's the case I can see many people thinking screw this for a lark if kids are suddenly having more freedom than the adults! The longer this goes on and the more I read and talk with my friends and colleagues here, the more the consensus is that the government haven't a clue what they're doing.
What is the logic behind letting only kids up to 14 go outside? What about the 15,16, 17, and 18 years old?
As understand from your article I am not allowed to take my kids to a rural area longer away than 1 km ? And for more than 1 hour ? I have read other places that we are allowed to take the kids to a beach or wood. But that contradicts with the 1 hours time frame. Sorry, but I am still confused. Any one can help with the interpretation?