People sunbathed and played in the sea along Barcelona's beaches, ignoring pleas from Catalan authorities for area residents to stay at home as coronavirus cases continued to rise in one of Spain's worst-hit regions, Reuters reported.

As police patrolled in masks to ensure social distancing, Barceloneta beach, a favourite with tourists, reached capacity and had to be closed to new bathers by afternoon.

People swim and sunbathe at the Bogatell beach in Barcelona on July 19. — AFP
People swim and sunbathe at the Bogatell beach in Barcelona on July 19. — AFP

Opinion

Editorial

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