© Reuters. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Italy(Reuters) – Here’s what you need to know about the coronavirus right now:
Continued easing as cases pass 3.5 million mark
Italy, Spain, Nigeria, Azerbaijan, Malaysia and Lebanon are among the countries easing some restrictions on Monday, including reopening factories, construction sites, hairdressers and libraries. The measures are of particular fanfare in Italy, which has had the longest lockdown in Europe.
Global coronavirus cases surpassed 3.5 million on Monday and deaths neared a quarter of a million, according to a Reuters tally.
New cases globally have been rising at a rate of 2%-3% over the past week, versus a peak of around 13% in mid-March, prompting many countries to begin easing lockdown measures. The loosening of restrictions has been controversial, however, as experts debate the best strategy to ensure there is no large “second wave” outbreak.
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