Spain's PM to seek longer but more flexible lockdown

PAU BARRENA / AFP

Spain is set to extend the lockdown for 15 more days, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez adding that the restrictions would be more flexible.

During a televised address, he explained that the country has past the "most extreme moments" but the "achievements are still insufficient and above all fragile".

Sanchez said he will ask the parliament to extend the lockdown until May 9 as the "achievements" could not be hampered by "hasty solutions".

He added that the country would move slowly towards the "new normality", adding that children would be allowed out of their homes for a "limited" time if they meet certain criteria.

So far, the country has seen more than 190,000 positive infections and over 20,000 fatalities. 

People are still confined to their homes, except for essential outings.

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