European countries relax restriction laws

Some countries have eased restrictions imposed over the pandemic.

Spain has allowed some businesses to return to work, and Denmark is reopening schools for younger children.

Italy, Europe’s hardest-hit country, with more than 20,000 deaths will also allow a narrow range of firms to resume operations today.

However, French president Emmanuel Macron has extended the lockdown there for another four weeks until 11 May.

In an address, he said the current restrictions had slowed the virus but not beaten it.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization has welcomed the slowing down of infections in some European countries but warned against lifting restrictions too early.

director-general of the organization, tedros adhanom ghebreyesus, has cautioned that easing measures too quickly could lead to a deadly resurgence.