Which countries are easing coronavirus restrictions?

<p>In some countries lockdowns are being eased, while in others like the UK, restrictions are being kept in place or even strengthened.</p><p>Here's a list of what some countries are doing.</p><p>US</p><p>President Donald Trump is expected to lay out new guidelines allowing some states to quickly relax social distancing measures and are aimed at clearing the way for an easing of restrictions in areas with low transmission rates. Some states, including New York and New Jersey Thursday, extended the stay-at-home- guidelines for another month, until May 15. The ultimate decisions will remain with governors.</p><p>UK</p><p>Restrictions on public life have been in place in the U.K. since March 23 have been extended for three more weeks. The stay at home policy will continue until scientists and medics could be sure the outbreak was under control. “Now is not the moment to give the coronavirus a second chance,” Foreign Minister Dominic Raab said.</p><p>SPAIN</p><p>Spain this week eased restrictions on businesses, allowing for manufacturing, construction and other non-essential activity. For further lockdown measures to be lifted, the prime minister said testing needs to be greatly increased.</p><p>AUSTRIA</p><p>Austria was one of the first European countries to lift restrictions and announced at all stores can reopen on May 2, contingent on the pandemic remaining in control. It would allow small retailers and gardening supply stores to reopen, so long as customers wore face masks and stayed about 3 ft. from others.</p><p>SWITZERLAND</p><p>Switzerland will ease restrictions under a three-stage plan, with staggered openings and monitoring. Starting April 27, some businesses, including those that provide personal services, like hairdressers and physiotherapists, will be allowed to return to work. On May 11, schools will open. On June 8, bars and restaurant will open.</p><p>ITALY</p><p>Right now, the only easing of restrictions are on a small category of shops - those selling books, stationery and children's clothes. Social distancing inside the stores is compulsory, with customers having to wear protective masks and gloves. Shops will also have to be sanitized twice a day and ensure proper ventilation. All other lockdown measures will be kept in place.</p><p>GERMANY</p><p>Smaller shops will be able to open next week, once they've established “plans to maintain hygiene." Car dealers and bookstores of any size can reopen Monday, but beauty salons will have to wait until May 4.Restaurants and bars will remain closed for the time being. Religious services and other large events won’t return until Aug. 31.</p><p>DENMARK</p><p>Denmark has begun to relax its strict lockdown measures by allowing some classes to return nationwide to school. Wednesday reopen day care centers and schools for children in first to fifth grade. Other students must continue to study from home. Gatherings of more than 10 people remain banned. Trades that have close physical contacts with customers remain closed. Restaurants and cafes can still only serve takeaway.</p><p>CHINA</p><p>On April 8, a more than two-month lockdown was lifted. The mayor of Wuhan, where the pandemic started, said on Wednesday the city aimed to fully resume rail, flight and freight operations by the end of this month.</p><p>IRAN</p><p>Iran, the Middle East's worst-hit country, lifted a ban on travel within provinces on Sunday. April 20, restrictions on trips between provinces will end. Businesses seen as lower risk were allowed to reopen last Saturday.</p>