Europe today prepared for a further cautious easing of coronavirus restrictions following signs the pandemic may be slowing, with hard-hit Italy set to follow Spain in allowing people outside their homes.

After a two-month lockdown in Italy – with the second-highest number of virus deaths in the world – people on Monday will be allowed to stroll in parks and visit relatives. Restaurants can open for takeaway and wholesale stores can resume business.
More than 242,000 people have been killed and 3.4 million infected worldwide by the virus, which has left half of humanity under lockdown and pushed the global economy towards its worst downturn since the Great Depression.
Italian authorities have stressed that preventative measures are still needed.