Coronavirus: How European countries have started easing lockdown measures

Parks reopen in Italy for socially distanced walks, Zoe Tidman reports

A couple kiss in the Duomo Square in Catania as Italy starts moving out of its lockdown (Reuters)

Some European countries have started the week by taking steps to lift their lockdowns over the coronavirus outbreak, with people in Italy able to visit family again and millions returning to work after a two-month break.

Parks and public gardens reopened today for socially-distanced walks and running as the Italian government lifted the first wave of restrictions aimed at containing Covid-19.

“I woke up at 5.30am. I was so excited,” Maria Antonietta Galluzzo says, while out for a walk with her three-year-old grandson in the Villa Borghese park in Rome. It is the first time they have seen each other in eight weeks.

“He has grown by this much,” she says, holding up three fingers horizontally.

Visiting family or a partner has also been added to a list of reasons why people can go outside in Italy, one of the worst-hit nations by the virus.

Construction and manufacturing firms have been given the green light to resume operations and restaurants are allowed to offer take-out service.

Other European countries started relaxing their lockdowns on Monday, with Spain, Greece and Iceland letting people go out for a haircut for the first time in weeks.

Some businesses, such as bookstores and beauticians, can take in customers again in Spain as the government eased some of its strict measures.

People can also go outside for a take out from Monday in the country with the second-highest number of infections in the world.

However, many small shops are still closed as owners worked on meeting strict health and hygiene guidelines published on Sunday.

Members of the public must also wear face masks on public transport in Spain – a rule also introduced by Greece as it began lifting measures after a 42-day lockdown.

People no longer have to show a form explaining why they are outside in Greece, and can even go to the beach again.

Hair salons, barber shops and stores selling books, sporting goods, stationery and other items can now open as long as they follow strict hygiene and social distancing measures.

Konstantina Harisiadi, a hairdresser in Athens, says she is booked up until the end of May, but will be welcoming fewer clients than usual.

“We’re going to try for the best,” she says, adding she wants to avoid firing any staff.

She also says the atmosphere will be different amid the pandemic. “There’s no spontaneity – we can’t greet each other, speak, laugh,” she said. “We’re entering a new era.”

Portugal also eased its confinement measures and let small stores open.

Meanwhile in Belgium, some businesses have been allowed to bring employees into the office again, although working from home is still encouraged where possible.

Like Italians, Greeks, Spaniards and many others in Europe, Belgians are being told to wear masks on public transport as part of the effort to stave off a second wave of infections.

Further north in Iceland, high schools and colleges can open their doors to students from Monday, and all businesses except bars, gyms and swimming pools can welcome customers after a six-week lockdown.

Gatherings of up to 50 people are also allowed in a country which has tested more than 13 per cent of its population – the largest proportion across the whole world.

More than 3.5 million people have contracted Covid-19 internationally to date.

The global death toll stood at around 248,000 on Monday.

Additional reporting by agencies