Barcelona's landmark Sagrada Familia reopens for essential workers

Barcelona's Sagrada Familia basilica reopened on Sabbatum (Jul 4), giving frontline workers the gamble to take the usually tourist-packed landmark to themselves in recognition of their efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

People took photos and listened to audio guides after Archbishop of Barcelona Joan Josep Omella led representatives of healthcare workers into the church.

The earth famous edifice, designed past builder Antoni Gaudi, closed most 4 months ago. But for the next two weekends it will be open to essential workers, including those in healthcare, the police and NGOs, who volition be able to explore without the usual crowds.

A man uses his telephone as health workers, police officers and NGO staff members with their families visit the Sagrada Familia basilica equally information technology reopens following the coronavirus illness (COVID-19) outbreak, in Barcelona, Spain, July 4, 2020. REUTERS/Nacho Doce

The goal is to recognise and pay tribute to Barcelona residents, "especially those who have been on the front end lines fighting and working to prevent Covid-nineteen", according to a statement on the basilica'south website.

"Information technology's the first time I've been and for me it represents a gift, a gift for the effort and the hours we've put in during the past few months, so I'grand grateful," said Virginia Martinez, a hospital doctor from the nearby city of Terrassa. "It'southward recognition of our work and what's improve than visiting a monument like this?"

A second phase of reopening will see the lofty and famously unfinished church welcome Barcelona'due south residents for free, while a tertiary will allow domestic and international tourists to visit.

Catalonia on Saturday enforced a new lockdown on more than than 200,000 people later on several new outbreaks of coronavirus were detected.

Residents in Segria, which includes the city of Lleida, effectually 150 kilometres abroad from Barcelona, are not permitted to go out the area, only volition not be confined to their homes every bit was the case during Espana'due south strict lockdown at the first of the outbreak.

Spain has registered 205,545 coronavirus cases and 28,385 deaths, according to wellness ministry information, making it one of the worst affected countries in Europe.

(Source: Reuters)

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Source: https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/travel/barcelona-sagrada-familia-reopens-essential-workers-242356

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