The Spanish government intends to drop the mandatory two-week quarantine requirement for persons arriving into the county from abroad from July 1.

The decision was made in a cabinet meeting on Monday.

Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya had previously said the requirement would be lifted in July, but did not issue a date.

Spain is one of the hardest hit countries globally by the COVID-19 pandemic, having registered more than 235,000 infections and over 28,000 deaths, according to data from the Johns Hopkins University.

Like many other countries, Spain's economy took a hit as lockdown measures took a toll on the country.

The tourism industry is one of the worst affected.

Spain normally attracts 80 million tourists a year, with the sector providing more than 12% of the country's GDP.

Opening up the holiday market again before the summer season is over is seen as crucial to the Spanish economy.

Source(s): BBC