Spain gives 10 million face masks to commuters

Spain's government on Monday distributed 10 million masks at major train and subway stations for commuters, as some workers return to their jobs after two weeks at home.

Transport officials said they will reduce crowding on public transport by limiting the number of passengers and ensuring people remain at least one metre (3.2 feet) apart.

The focus is on factories and construction work restarting production.

Office workers are strongly encouraged to continue working from home.

Retail and services remain closed.

Police are reminding people not to leave their homes except for basic shopping, medicine or unavoidable commutes.

Lockdown remains in place for at least two more weeks under the current state of emergency declared by the government on 14 March.

Spain has 166,831 confirmed cases, 17,209 reported deaths according to Johns Hopkins University tally at 0900 GMT.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.