The 'Hips Don't Lie' hitmaker receives mixed response as she is pleading with the Spanish politicians to allow children outside to 'breathe fresh air' during the global pandemic.
- Apr 2, 2020
AceShowbiz - Shakira has pleaded with Spanish politicians to allow children outside during the ongoing coronavirus lockdown.
The 43-year-old, who shares sons Milan, seven, and Sasha, five, with partner Gerard Pique, took to Instagram where she, "empathised with those that don't have an outside space or balcony so their children can breathe fresh air."
After previously imploring leaders to close schools and keep children home amid the Covid-19 outbreak, the Barcelona-based singer said Spain is struggling under the third week of a government-imposed lockdown, which has severely restricted peoples' movement.
She said, "Knowing the difficult situation of parents with small children in this difficult period of quarantine."
"If going out to walk dogs is allowed or adults can go out for shopping trips, a solution needs to be found that grants children who need sun and fresh air for their mental and physical health that same right," the "Hips Don't Lie" star continued. "I would urge the government to consider a policy that permits a responsible adult to take a child out for a walk, although it is subject to the restrictions decided by experts and always respecting social distancing."
She said, "Children are becoming the real champions of this social drama and we should think about their wellbeing."
The post was met with a mixed response from fans, with users noting the Spanish lockdown rules did not give dog owners the right to walk their pets far from their home, and were designed to make sure the animals could go to the toilet outside their properties.
Another added of Shakira's plea, "What madness is that? A window is enough. Exposing children is not a good idea," while one fan proposed, "Those of us who have children need to be creative and do as much as possible so they're kept entertained while this lasts."
The lockdown follows the advice of officials from the World Health Organisation (WHO), who urge people to stay indoors and practice social distancing amid the health scare.
