Across Europe, lockdown measures are being lifted cautiously, in phases. Businesses are reopening and many children are back in school.
Many of Europe's internal borders opened again in mid-June. Then the EU lifted external borders to some nations on 1 July, although member states can choose not to allow in travellers from these countries. Germany began reopening smaller shops in April: in early May control of lifting the lockdown was handed to the 16 federal states.
However, Chancellor Angela Merkel stressed that an ''emergency brake'' would be applied anywhere with a surge in new infections. What caused Germany's biggest virus outbreak? Italy imposed a strict and lengthy lockdown on 7 March - initially in the north, then nationwide - with a ban on walking or exercising more than m ft from home.
In early May, some restrictions were relaxed and people are now able to travel for longer distances, as well as visit their relatives in small numbers. On 3 June, Italy unilaterally reopened its borders and ended regional travel restrictions, and the country entered phase three of its lockdown lifting on 15 June.
Cruises on Italian ships remain suspended. France's strict lockdown was imposed on 17 March, with residents required to provide a travel permit justifying any outdoor trips.
