On foot and with bicycles, skateboards and scooters, Spanish children went outside at last on Sunday, emerging from their homes for the first time after six long weeks of living under one of Europe’s strictest coronavirus lockdowns.

The relaxation came as Spain, one of the worst hit by the global Covid-19 epidemic, registered its lowest daily increase in the coronavirus death toll in more than a month: 288 on Sunday.

Under 14s were allowed outside for the first time since the government declared a state of emergency on March 14 and shut down most public life and economic activities. Children wearing protective masks strolled the streets in Madrid.

Lucia Ibanez, 9, out for a walk with her mother, said she had missed the streets and the park and “feeling the air on your face” during the lockdown. “I never thought I would miss school but I really miss it,” she said.

Children will be allowed one hour of supervised outdoor activity per day between 9am and 9pm, staying within 1km of their home.

Adults can accompany up to three children, who will not be allowed to use playparks or share toys, and must adhere to social-distancing guidelines, remaining at least 6.5ft from other people.