Barcelona and metro area to progress to 'Phase 0.5' with partial lockdown loosening

Barcelona and its metropolitan area will remain in Phase 0 of the Spanish government's lockdown de-escalation plan, but with some partial loosening of measures. 

Meanwhile, Girona, Lleida, and Central Catalonia will enter Phase 1 as of Monday, May 18, allowing for bar terraces to reopen at reduced capacity, as well as galleries and some sports centers opening to the public once again.

The areas of Garraf and Alt Penedès will also progress to Phase 1, but Baix Montseny will not. Catalan authorities had proposed to allow all three places, which are in the Barcelona metropolitan area, to enter Phase 1.

Although the Barcelona metropolitan area will remain in Phase 0, its residents will be able to enjoy a number of enhanced measures similar to those put forth in the "Phase 0.5" proposed by the Catalan government earlier in the week.

These include allowing shops to open and serve customers without an appointment, as well as the gradual resumption of social and administrative services. Library loans will be permitted again while museums and places of worship will be able to open at a third of their usual capacity and up to 10 people will be allowed to attend wakes starting on Monday.