Coronavirus latest: WHO meets amid US-China tensions; Covid-19 hits hard in South America and Africa
- WHO starts international meeting overshadowed by US-China tensions; White House official rebukes top US health agency
- Canadian jet crashes during pandemic show; poll suggests UK public has lost confidence in government
The relaxation of curbs in some places comes as governments around the world struggle to repair the vast economic damage unleashed by the pandemic, with Japan the latest to slump into a recession and the Fed warning of a severe US downturn as the global infection count topped 4.7 million.
But the World Health Organisation has warned that reopening too quickly without a vaccine could trigger a second devastating wave of infections, and the body will host a virtual global health assembly this week to help chart a course out of the crisis.
Once the worst-hit country in the world, Italy on Monday will take its latest step in a cautious, gradual return to normality, allowing businesses and churches to reopen after a two-month lockdown.
Businesses including restaurants, bars, cafes, hairdressers, and stores will be allowed to reopen on Monday. Gyms, pools, cinemas and theatres are allowed to open on May 25.
Spain is also set to further ease its lockdown measures, while Germany has already taken several steps towards a reopening, including the resumption of its top football league – but with empty stadiums.
