国际英语资讯:Spotlight: France, Spain join ranks of European nations easing virus lockdown amid second-wa_时事

国际英语资讯:Spotlight: France, Spain join ranks of European nations easing virus lockdown amid second-wa

France's first-day post-lockdown "is going as it should," said Jean-Baptiste Djebbari, minister of state for transport, expressing "satisfaction to see that the wearing of the mask is well respected."

In Spain, 51 percent of the population were allowed to progress to Phase One on Monday, while regions of Madrid, Catalonia, among others, remained at Phase Zero after failing to meet certain criteria.

The regions that have moved into Phase One will see a gradual reopening of commerce, with bars, shops, libraries, and museums allowed to open under reduced capacity and strict hygiene rules.

Meetings of up to 10 people are allowed. Members of the same family can travel in the same car or sit next to each other on public transport, although they have to respect social distancing, and everyone taking public transport has to wear a face mask.

The Phase One will last at least two weeks before some regions are allowed to progress to Phase Two, which will see further easing of restrictions.

"SAVE LIVES, STAY CAUTIOUS"

Both governments have opted for a gradual approach to lifting the confinement measures, aiming to perk up their ravaged economies without prompting a second wave of outbreaks.

In a Twitter message to citizens, French President Emmanuel Macron said: "Thanks to you, the virus has slowed. But it is still there. Save lives, stay cautious."

Currently, a single positive case in France can infect less than one person, with the reproduction rate (commonly referred to as R0) slightly over 0.6, Health Minister Olivier Veran said.