Some European countries are beginning to lift coronavirus lockdown restrictions by reopening shops, daycares, and construction sites. Italy, which has had the most coronavirus-related deaths to date, has lifted restrictions on two categories of shops - stationers and children’s clothes. Spain has let construction and manufacturing sectors return to work but has also extended a nationwide lockdown until late April. French President Emmanuel Macron plans to reopen schools and shops after May 11, 2020. Germany, Europe’s largest economy, is conducting a two-week evaluation that might allow some shops to reopen after April 20, 2020. Austria has allowed small shops to reopen and plans to reopen larger stores and shopping malls after May 1, 2020, unless infection rates accelerate. Denmark has reopened daycares and schools through fifth grade, with the remainder in lockdown until May 10, 2020. Poland plans to lift lockdown measures gradually after April 19, 2020.
EU leaders have urged caution around reopening, encouraging a coordinated easing of lockdown measures after meeting certain conditions such as mass testing, sustained case decline, and confirmation of a health system's capacity to manage sick patients. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged that legal authority rested in European capitals and that Brussels could not compel country leaders to follow the EU guidelines. Nonetheless, she insisted on a choreographed approach from all EU nations. Health experts have warned that a premature easing of containment measurements without proper controls would risk a renewed spike in infections, and a second wave of the crisis.
