European nations tentatively ease COVID-19 lockdowns

According to media reports, several EU countries have begun to lift restrictions albeit gradually as the spread of COVID-19 appears to be slowing down in some parts of Europe.

Italy, which has the highest coronavirus death toll in Europe, reportedly allowed some non-essential shops to reopen as of April 14. The forestry and timber production was also allowed to resume operations. However, the country’s worst-hit regions, such as Lombardy, opted to keep the non-essential shops closed. Further, the majority of lockdown restrictions have recently been extended until May 3 and factories shuttered by the lockdown will not be allowed to reopen.

In Spain, the second-worst hit country in Europe, the government has relaxed some measures put in place on March 27. The country’s local media reported that construction, factory and office workers were allowed to return to work as of April 14.

Austria, the Czech Republic, and Denmark have also begun gradually easing restrictions in a bid to revive industrial and retail activities.

Austria, locked down since March 16, some non-essential shops have been allowed to reopen. The Danish government announced that schools will reopen on April 15, after a three-week suspension. The Czech Republic has recently eased travel restrictions and allowed some non-essential shops to reopen, after declaring a state of emergency on March 12.