Spain and Italy are among the European countries that are further easing coronavirus restrictions from Monday. After more than two months of lockdown in Italy, most of the businesses, including bars and restaurants, will be allowed to reopen.
Meanwhile, Spain has slightly eased the coronavirus lockdown, mostly in its least affected islands. The announcements come as the countries record a gradual but consistent drop in daily deaths and new infections.
On Sunday, Italy recorded the lowest number of daily deaths since March when it entered its lockdown. The health authorities said that nearly 145 people died in the last 24 hours, it marked a significant drop from its high death toll, which stood at 900 on March 27.
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- Coronavirus: Spain Eases Lockdown, Allows Outdoor Exercises
- Coronavirus: Italy Death Toll Tops 30000, Highest in European Countries
Since Spain imposed its lockdown, it recorded the lowest daily death toll of 100 for the first time. But health experts around the world have warned against easing restrictions and said that it could lead to the second wave of infections.
Bars, cafes, restaurants, shops, and hairdressers will be allowed to reopen in Italy, albeit social distancing recommendations are followed. Because of the pandemic, at least 32,000 people died in Italy since March, and economists have warned that the economy is also expected to shrink by 10% in 2020.
Catholic churches across the country are preparing for the mass, albeit worshipers are to follow social distancing measures, including wearing face masks. Meanwhile, other faiths are also allowed to resume their religious gatherings as restrictions ease.
However, health experts have continuously asserted the harm of large social gatherings. Pope Francis held a private mass in the Vatican, which has been disinfected before opening to tourists. The Mass honored Pope John Paul 2, after 100 years of his birth in Poland.
Meanwhile, some areas in Spain also witness ease in lockdown restrictions. The Spanish authorities are using a four-phase system of reopening the country, and they are applying it in different regions at a different speed.
Last week, most of Spain entered phase one, and the government has allowed the gatherings of up to 10 people, albeit they wear face masks and practice social distance. While bars and restaurants can reopen outdoor seating but at half capacity, other public places, including cinemas and theaters, are reopening at limited capacity.
Some parts of Spain that have been least affected by the pandemic outbreak moved into phase 2 on Monday, allowing shopping malls to reopen and gatherings of up to 15 people. Parts of the north-west, including Madrid and Barcelona, remain in phase 0, with restriction remain in place. Only small shops can reopen, and funerals can be held inside and outside with 10-15 people.
On Sunday, the head of emergency health care said that the country is very near to stopping the transmission of the virus. But he warned that the risk of the second wave of infections is still considerable.
Meanwhile, Greece has allowed the secondary school pupils to return to schools, and Portugal has also allowed reopening café, bars, and restaurants at reduced capacity. Belgium has allowed primary and secondary schools to reopen from Monday, while museums and zoos also reopen, albeit only for those who book online.
