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Italy and Spain are among a number of European countries that are further easing their coronavirus lockdown restrictions from Monday (May 18).
Most businesses in Italy, including bars and hairdressers, will be free to reopen after more than two months of nationwide lockdown measures.
Spain meanwhile has slightly eased restrictions on some of its least affected islands.
The measures follow consistent drops in the number of daily recorded deaths.
On Sunday, Italy recorded the fewest daily deaths since it entered lockdown in March.
Italy said 145 people had died with the virus in the previous 24 hours.
This marked a significant drop from its highest daily death toll, which was more than 900 on 27 March.
In Spain, the daily death toll fell below 100 for the first time since it imposed its lockdown restrictions.
But officials are warning that complacency over the virus could lead to a second wave of infections.
What's happening on Monday?
Restaurants, bars, cafes, hairdressers and shops will be allowed to reopen in Italy, providing social distancing is enforced.
Almost 32,000 people in Italy have died in the pandemic, and the economy is expected to shrink by nearly 10% this year.
Catholic churches in Italy are preparing for the resumption of Mass, but there will be strict social distancing and worshippers must wear face masks. Other faiths will also be allowed to hold religious services.
But health officials have warned of the continued dangers of large social gatherings.
Pope Francis held a private Mass at St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, which has been disinfected ahead of its reopening to tourists.
The Mass honoured the late Pope John Paul II, 100 years after his birth in Poland.
[Source: BBC]
