Germany & other countries begin to lift COVID-19 lockdowns as virus cases reach 2.4 million

Coronavirus latest - In Europe, where the virus has hit the hardest, some countries are deciding to slowly ease their COVID-19 shutdowns.

For example Austria and Italy last week started to reopen thousands of shops selling non-essential goods. Italy, the worst affected nation in Europe, began to allow book shops, launderettes, and shops selling children’s clothes to open again.

Whilst Austria is allowing DIY stores, garden centres and shops under 400 square metres to open. However, in both countries, strict social distancing rules remain and people are urged to stay at home when possible. Germany and the Czech Republic have also decided to reopen some small businesses.

Denmark has reopened schools for children aged 11 and under, but further restrictions will remain in place until 11th May. Spain is allowing some workers to return to their jobs if they cannot work from home. These include builders, cleaners and workers in factories.

The UK and France will remain in lockdown for at least the next few weeks, likely longer. In the US, Donald Trump is pushing plans to relax the lockdown by 1st May. Individual states can decide whether to ease restrictions. Some already have, in Florida some municipalities have already been given the green light to open beaches with restricted hours. Three beaches in Syndey have reopened after just six new cases were recorded in New South Wales in Australia.

However, it is unlikely the world will truly go back to life before until a vaccine is created or suitable medicine is available to treat COVID-19. Whilst economies may begin to slowly ease back to life, social distancing measures are likely to continue for months, maybe even more than a year.

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[ksubsnovideos]

Hello random person scrolling through the comments

I hope you're having a great day

[elainemagson]

Calm, informative reporting very much appreciated. Thank you, Steven Edginton, one of the best journalists we have at the moment.

[templarknight]

We can all have a health service like Germany's. All we need to do is make sure we pay £3/400 a month for private medical insurance. You want someone TO BLAME for the state we are in, BLAME CHINA. The isnt a country on this planet suffering from Covid 19 who isnt having testing or ppe issues.

[dmd]

All the pensioners locked in their homes who can't even go to the pub

[manikanthaarunpaturi]

Seems like Germany wants to play, opening lockdown.

[RaRa-eumw]

And yet in the UK we are stuck with a skyrocketing death toll and full lockdown. It's a disgrace.

[ZakirKhan-mgdd]

Wake up already.. we should never have been locked down in the 1st place..

[jabeirify]

UK lagging behind because we have idiots here who think this is a holiday. Stay home. Then you can enjoy summer sooner!

[donjon]

Impressed way germany handle virus situation very organised country..

[kdank]

If you are worried about the future of the UK check out the patriotic alternative conferences and show your support

[rommeldc]

but the beast is still out in the open.

[iandrake]

Cant wait til the royals help us all out giving us at least £10, 000 each for starters, then maybe open Buckingham Palace up as make shift hospital because they love u so much, lol .

[kimjim]

China didnt lock down all the shops
just WuHAN
we can buy anything on line
lift lock down is not bad for EU

[salnaturile]

Think we should be out clapping for the Gates foundation every week. Bill and Melinda will no doubt emerge as true heroes from this.

[Aubury]

After the american abdication, on leaving the WHO, perhaps China can fill this vacuum. Shock ! Horror ! Only saying.