These are the European countries lifting lockdown restrictions

With Spain among the nations who have recently lifted some of their restrictions amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, a few other countries in Europe look set to follow suit soon (Photo: Shutterstock)With Spain among the nations who have recently lifted some of their restrictions amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, a few other countries in Europe look set to follow suit soon (Photo: Shutterstock)
With Spain among the nations who have recently lifted some of their restrictions amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, a few other countries in Europe look set to follow suit soon (Photo: Shutterstock)

The UK is slowly easing lockdown restrictions, with Austria and Denmark among the nations who have recently lifted some of their restrictions amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, with a few other countries in Europe look set to follow suit soon.

Here’s everything you need to know.

Which other countries will be easing lockdown restrictions soon?

The UK is slowly easing lockdown restrictions, with different plans in places throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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Ministers in Northern Ireland have recently agreed to ease more lockdown restrictions as part of the first step of their recovery plan, but only as long as social distancing is followed.

Churches and places of worship can open for private prayer, and some sports, such as golf and tennis, can restart.

Garden centres and recycling centres have already been allowed to reopen.

Which restrictions have already been lifted?

Small shops in Austria will reopened on Tuesday 14 April, with larger shops, shopping centres and hairdressers opening from Friday 1 May.

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From Wednesday (15 April), children aged 11 and younger in Denmark return to schools and nurseries, after a month of closures.

Children return to kindergartens in Norway on Monday (20 April), with junior schools returning a week later.

Spain has a four-phase system for reopening. Authorities are applying this system at different speeds in different regions.

Most of the country moved into phase one last week, with up to 10 people allowed to meet together, provided they wear masks and socially distance. Bars and restaurants can open outdoor seating at half capacity, and cinemas, museums and theatres are also opening at reduced capacity.

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Some Spanish islands that have not been badly affected by the outbreak have also moved into phase two, which has allowed shopping malls to reopen and gatherings of up to 15 people.

However, Barcelona, Madrid and parts of the north-west remain in phase 0. This means that most restrictions currently remain in place, but some small shops will soon be allowed to reopen and funerals can be held for groups of up to 10 inside and 15 outside.

It Italy, restaurants, bars, cafes, hairdressers and shops have been allowed to reopen, providing social distancing is enforced.

Catholic churches are also resuming Mass, but strict social distancing are in place and worshippers must wear face masks. Alongside this, other faiths are also being allowed to hold religious services.

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