Catalan government aims to let children leave homes in ten days time

The Catalan government is planning on letting children leave their homes in ten days time if new Covid-19 cases continue decreasing.

"In 10 days we will see if relaxing lockdown causes another outbreak. If it doesn't, we can begin allowing kids out," explained Catalan health minister Alba Vergés during Friday's press conference.

The ministries of social affairs, home affairs, and health are working on this plan which will be discussed at a Civil Protection Authorities Committee meeting on Saturday. 

Permissions to leave home would be limited in time and done over time slots, keeping the minimum safety distance of two meters between people on the street, and with face masks compulsory for all people aged three and up, although Vergés specified that children between the ages of 6 and 12 could wear homemade ones. The minister also clarified that children are not required to wear gloves so long as they maintain good hygiene habits and wash their hands frequently.

The ten-day deadline is being considered while the number of cases is continually monitored, but the government insists that in the next few days, the "severe" confinement must be maintained so far. 

"Tomorrow the Civil Protection Authorities Committee will consider whether children can be allowed out during specific time slots at a future point, but in the meantime, everyone must stay home," said Catalan interior minister Miquel Buch. 

However, with the state of alarm declared in Spain, it is still unclear whether or not the Catalan government has the power to allow for such a measure. Likely, any such decision will be down to the Spanish authorities. 

The mayor of Barcelona, Ada Colau, was one of the first people to call for such a measure, recognizing the efforts children are putting in to maintain as tight a lockdown as possible to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The mayor believes that children are making an "extraordinary effort" and after a few days of being closed, they begin to have "attacks of sadness, sleep disturbance or anxiety", among others. 

Colau is convinced that children can go out for walks in the areas around their homes and urged authorities to "look for a way to do things right" and according to the advice of health experts.

The mayor admits that infants can spread the virus without any symptoms but adds that this also happens with many adults.

The Spanish Association of Pediatrics also advocates for letting children out on the street, with a "certain guarantee", accompanied by an adult and "respecting social isolation."

The entity will deliver a report this Friday to Spain's ministry of health, prepared by eight experts, stating that easing the lockdown restrictions for children "can be a priority when a population is out on the street."

The proposal is for minors to be able to leave home "in an organized manner", accompanied by a parent, with a mask in the case of older children and without going to "risky places."