Globe dotted by wary reopening push

Aussies, Kiwis ease in as Europe anticipates

LONDON — A cautious easing of coronavirus restrictions took place around the world as infections declined in many cities and countries.

Australians went out to eat for the first time in weeks Saturday, but the reopening of restaurants, pubs and cafes came with a warning: Don’t overdo it.

“The message is yes, appreciate all the efforts, appreciate the opportunity to release some of those measures, but let’s not have a party, let’s not go to town,” said Tony Bartone, president of the Australian Medical Association.

Most restaurants are limited to 10 customers at a time, and Bartone said people must maintain social distance, follow coughing etiquette, wash their hands regularly and stay away from others if they are ill.

In New Zealand, even Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her fiance, Clarke Gayford, were initially turned away for brunch by a restaurant in the capital city, Wellington, because it was too full under coronavirus guidelines.

There was a happy ending. A spot freed up, and staffers ran down the street to call the couple back.

Italy’s tourism industry is focused firmly on June 3, when both regional and international borders reopen, allowing the first prospect of tourists since Europe’s first lockdown went into place in early March.

France has called for a coordinated European effort on opening. At the same time, French officials could make decisions “that protect the French” regarding countries “where the virus is still active,” Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said Saturday.

In Milan, Italy’s financial capital, 3,400 restaurants planned to open Monday along with 4,800 bars, 2,900 hairdressers, 2,200 clothing stores and 700 shoe shops.

Many restaurant owners complained that the new rules for reopening were unclear, and dozens protested outside Milan’s main train station.

In Britain, officials and tourism boards discouraged people from visiting popular tourist spots, like beaches or country parks, on the first weekend since lockdown rules were eased in England. Stricter rules remain place in other parts of the U.K., and English day-trippers have been warned against crossing into Scotland or Wales.

Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, said he will ask parliament for what he hopes will be the last extension of the country’s state of emergency to battle the coronavirus pandemic, an extension until around late June.

Michel Euler The Associated Press People wearing face masks to help curb the spread of the new coronavirus stroll along the Champs Elysees in Paris on Saturday as France gradually lifts its COVID-19 lockdown. Parisians enjoyed their first Saturday in the sun since restrictions were lifted.