European economies start to reopen
Europe reopened more widely on Monday, allowing people into the Acropolis in Greece, shops in Italy, markets and museums in Belgium, golf courses in Ireland and beer gardens in Germany while its leaders discussed how to salvage hallowed summer vacations.
New infections and deaths have slowed considerably in Europe, where some countries started easing lockdowns a month ago and even the harshest shutdowns — such as those in Italy and Spain — have loosened significantly. Many nations are now preparing to open their borders next month, trying to sketch out the parameters for a highly unusual summer tourist season.
— New York City is ramping up its ability to test for the coronavirus, with testing available at more than 150 sites citywide and test kits made in the city now in use at cityrun health clinics, Mayor Bill de Blasio said.
— Italy and the Vatican allowed the first public Masses to be celebrated since March as coronavirus restrictions eased further.
— Just one week after a third of French schoolchildren went back to school in an easing of the coronavirus lockdown, there’s been a worrying flareup of about 70 COVID-19 cases linked to schools.
— 5,242: India recorded its biggest single-day surge in coronavirus cases on Monday, attributed largely to migrant workers returning home after losing their jobs in India’s population centres. The 5,242 new cases and 157 deaths due to COVID-19 in the last 24 hours took the country’s infection tally to more than 96,000, the most in Asia. It now has 3,029 fatalities.
— They had dreams for a grand wedding, but Sri Lankan newlyweds Darshana Kumara Wijenarayana and Pawani Rasanga instead celebrated their love by feeding the poor. After registering the marriage with a few close family and friends, they visited 50 households with boxes of food.
— “This Is Us” stars Mandy Moore and Justin Hartley will co-host NBC’s Red Nose Day special on Thursday night to raise money and awareness for children in need. Funds raised by the campaign will be directed to help combat the effect of COVID-19 on youngsters and the organizations that aid them.