Portugal to reopen beaches next month as part of gradual unlocking

FILE PHOTO: Police tape prohibiting access is pictured at Cais das Colunas at Comercio square, following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Lisbon, Portugal April 2, 2020. REUTERS/Rafael Marchante

LISBON (Reuters) - Portugal will reopen its beaches on June 6, prime minister Antonio Costa said on Friday, and he encouraged the public to download an app that will tell them if their beach of choice is full or still has space.

Groups must stay 1.5 metres apart, deck-chairs may only be booked for the morning or afternoon, and beach sports of two people or more will not be allowed, according to the new rules.