Spain rules out reopening borders to foreign tourists before July

Spain plans to further ease the coronavirus lockdown in its two biggest cities from Monday, but will not start reopening its borders to foreign tourists before July 1, according to the government.

Health Minister Salvador Illa said on Friday that some restrictions would be lifted in Madrid and Barcelona, which have so far lagged behind the rest of the country’s easing program.

From Monday, bar and restaurant customers will be allowed to sit inside rather than on outdoor terraces, and children will be able to play outside at any time of day.

Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto said on Thursday that land borders would reopen from June 22, but her ministry later walked back on the statement. “There has been no change in the government’s position since day one,” government spokeswoman Maria Jesus Montero told reporters, referring to the previously announced date of July 1.