Spain to allow bullfighting, clubs without dance floors

OVIEDO, Spain

Spain is all set to resume bullfighting and its famous nightlife as the country on Saturday reported just one new death from coronavirus and a drop in conditions.

According to official figures, 164 more people tested positive for the infectious disease, down slightly from 195 over the past day.

In total, Spain has confirmed 241,310 cases of COVID-19 – the fifth most in the world after the US, Brazil, Russia, and the UK.

The death toll from the virus nationwide has reached 27,135 -- with 67 of them occurring in the past week. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has hailed the country’s success in flattening the curve.

On Saturday, new rules published in Spain’s Official Gazette relaxed the lockdown even further.

As of Monday, bullfights will be allowed for the first time nationwide. As many as 400 people – or one-third of the stadium’s capacity – will be allowed to attend live matches. Around half of the country will also begin to resume its famous nightlife.

For the first time in months, the parts of the country in phase three will be able to open nightclubs and bars.

However, according to the new rules, dance floors will remain off-limits unless they are filled up with tables. The Official Gazette also included the extension of Spain’s state of emergency until June 21.

While this is the sixth extension since the beginning of the crisis in mid-March, it is set to be the last.

The final stretch of the emergency rule also de-centralizes powers and will allow regional governments to make decisions about local constraints to control the spread of the virus.

Spain is set to return to the "new normal" by the end of the month, which will still involve face masks and social distancing.

On July 1, the country will reopen its borders to international tourists.