Spain lockdown eases as joggers and cyclists allowed out for first time in 7 weeks - Live News 24

CORONAVIRUS lockdowns have began to ease across Europe, with crowds taking to the streets to enjoy their newfound freedom. Cyclists and runners hit the pavement and head to beachfronts in Spain today, as the country continued to ease its coronavirus lockdown as its death toll continues to drop. ⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates Fitness junkies were seen running from their homes at 6am in a bid to take the most of the four hour window outside. They will also be allowed outside between 8pm and 10pm tonight.  Spain has suffered one of the worst outbreaks of Covid-19, with 25,100 dead, which prompted a tough nationwide lockdown restricting the movement of non-essential workers.  According to the health ministry, 276 people died overnight which down from 378 dead from last Saturday.  Today, marked the start of the new time-slot system, after 49 days of confinement, announced on Thursday meaning adults wanting to run and cycle must go out between 6am and 10am or 8pm to 11pm.  Those aged over 70 who want to go for a stroll will have to do it between 10am and midday or 7pm to 8pm.  And children under 14 with a parent, who have been allowed out for an hour between 9am and 9pm since last Sunday, will continue to be able to do so but only from midday to 7pm. Other European nations have also started to gently ease out of quarantine. Yesterday, Austria abandoned restrictions on movement altogether, after the Public Health Minister Rudolf Anschober announced a roadmap out of lockdown for May, earlier this week. Austria stepped out of full quarantine early, with small shops allowed to open in mid-April, which was extended to hairdressers and beauty salons today. SPAIN LOCKDOWN EASED  Those aged under 70 in Spain wanting to stroll have also been told to stick to the same timetables as runners, but they must stay within a kilometre of their homes and walk for an hour maximum.  This morning, thousands of cyclists had taken to a five-mile footpath in Barcelona known as the La Carretera de les Aigues - Road of the Waters - making it difficult to maintain social distancing guidelines.  Runners in capital Madrid, most without face masks, also got close to each other as they used the same pavements to exercise. RUNNERS AND RIDERS  Those doing sport can move within their municipality for as long as they want within their allocated time-slot.  Beaches in Tarifa were opened to water sports enthusiasts including windsurfers and kite-surfers, although swimming will remain off limits until at least June 8 when some areas hope to move towards the last phase of a national de-escalation plan.  Joggers in the Costa del Sol resort of Marbella were encouraged to use a series of routes recommended by a local athlete and promoted by the town hall on social media.  In Barcelona, 70 parks have been re-opened and more than 40 streets closed to traffic to facilitate social distancing.  Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez urged people to be “responsible” in an earl