Coronavirus: in Spain, work resumes in fear and controversy

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After 15 days of almost total economic hibernation, thousands of employees return to work this Monday, April 13 throughout Spain, in particular in sectors crucial for economic activity such as construction and industry. A return that is accompanied by reluctance and controversy.

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From our correspondent in Madrid , François Musseau

Where, when and how? These are the three questions that the president of the Madrid region, Isabel Diaz Ayuso asked the head of the socialist executive Pedro Sanchez about the masks. Even as thousands of people return to their work stations after 15 days of interruption, the same question is on everyone's lips in Madrid or elsewhere in Spain.

The central government has promised to distribute 10 million of these masks, a distribution that began in public transport stations, metro, bus, commuter trains especially. These are special agents who give them to users, and in any case in Madrid, we have seen that this takes place at a sustained pace.

This measure, in a country which at the start of the health crisis was in dire need of protective equipment, does not prevent reluctance. Some people complain that they have not received masks, or that they do not know how to use them correctly.

Without forgetting the many employees in the industry who are still afraid of being contaminated by the virus. They say that in many work contexts, maintaining the required distance is impossible.

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• Coronavirus
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• Employment and Work
• Industry