Should countries start lifting their lockdown measures?

European nations begin easing COVID-19 restrictions even as they continue to report more cases.

Measures to stop the spread of coronavirus are affecting the lives of billions of people worldwide.

Europe accounts for half of the two million cases recorded worldwide. But some countries are easing their lockdowns, saying the rate of new infections appears to be stabilising.

Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark and Germany have allowed some shops and schools to reopen. Even the two hardest-hit nations, Italy and Spain, are easing restrictions.

The European Union is urging member states to carefully coordinate their plans.