Italians were back on the streets today as the country lifted the longest lockdown in Europe and entered ‘phase two’ of the coronavirus crisis.

In Venice, where the empty streets were an early symbol of the crisis, St Mark’s Square was full of people again today as local traders gathered in the piazza.
Trains and platforms were busy again in Milan with more than four million people expected to return to work at factories and construction sites, while others can exercise in parks and visit relatives for the first time in weeks.
Italy’s government says the regions are responsible for ensuring social distancing on public transport, but some pictures suggested it was not being strictly enforced.

Italy’s move into ‘phase two’ today follows only 174 deaths on Sunday, the lowest figure since the lockdown went into effect on March 10, although that came after a spike of 474 deaths on Saturday.