Ancient Madrid market reopens amid debate over virus rules Madrid’s ancient and emblematic Rastro flea market has reopened after a contentious eight-month closure because of the COVID-19 pandemic that has walloped the Spanish capitalMADRID -- Madrid’s ancient and emblematic Rastro flea market reopened Sunday after a contentious eight-month closure because of the COVID-19 pandemic that has walloped the Spanish capital. After lengthy negotiations, city authorities agreed the Rastro could open at 50% capacity, with half its 1,000 stalls alternating each Sunday for a maximum crowd of 2,700 people. Long a traditional meeting and drinking place, the bustling Sunday morning market used to attract thousands of tourists and residents alike. But some health workers are unconvinced. “It would have been more useful to fit out those areas, improve the infrastructures we already have and reinforce them with nurses and other health workers,” he said.

Source: ABC News November 22, 2020 12:11 UTC