Spanish fishermen are taking coronavirus tests before returning to sea to avoid spreading infection among colleagues at close quarters in boats as the industry creaks back into action, Reuters reports.

In 2019, the fishing industry in Spain employed around 31,000 people and generated some $4.76 billion in exports, according to industry body Cepesca.

Hard-hit Spain is only just beginning to emerge from a strict lockdown, now in its 10th week, which has brought the economy to its knees.