Spanish law firm Garrigues partially reopened its Madrid and Portugal offices on Monday, as the nation continues to loosen its COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.

The hases reopened on June 15, with 50% of staff returning to the offices on an alternating basis.

Various safety measures are being implemented, including masks provided by the firm for all staff. A person with knowledge of the situation said that masks do not have to be worn at individual desks but must be worn when moving between rooms.

According to a statement by a spokesperson, some of the firm's people have been tested for COVID-19 and "individuals at risk have been excluded from the return".

The statement added: "Garrigues has slowly started to combine remote work with an orderly and gradual return to the office in those geographic areas in which it is prudent to do so in view of the health situation."

"Some people have been tested when considered advisable, individuals at risk have been excluded from the return, protocols and guidelines have been drawn up and training and materials have been prepared to ensure that everyone takes the maximum precautions, which include respecting the shifts, maintaining social distancing and avoiding crowds."

The Spanish heavyweight operates an international presence, with bases in 13 countries, including the U.S. and China.

According to its spokesperson, its Beijing and Shanghai bases have been operating a phased office return for several weeks.

Hogan Lovells also reopened its Madrid base earlier in June to 50% of its staff at at time. The firm said in a statement that returning will be "voluntary".

Other Spanish firms are also plotting their office returns. Last month, Spanish firm Uria Menéndez said it was testing all staff for COVID-19 as a preliminary step before reopening its offices, while fellow major local player Cuatrecasas said it would continue with a remote working system for the time being. 

Read More:

Spanish Firm Testing All Staff For COVID-19 Ahead of Office Return

Spanish Firms Considering Office Returns As Lockdown Set to Continue

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