Italy and Spain are among a number of European countries that are set to further ease their coronavirus lockdown restrictions from Monday.
Most businesses in Italy, including bars and hairdressers, will be free to reopen after more than two months of nationwide lockdown measures.
Spain is set to relax its restrictions outside of Madrid and Barcelona, with groups of up to 10 people free to meet.
The measures follow consistent drops in the number of daily recorded deaths.
On Sunday, Italy recorded the fewest daily deaths since it entered lockdown in March.
It said 145 people had died with the virus in the previous 24 hours. This marked a significant drop from its highest daily death toll, which was more than 900 on 27 March.
In Spain, the daily death toll fell below 100 for the first time since it imposed its lockdown restrictions.
But officials are warning that complacency over the virus could lead to a second wave of infections.
What's happening on Monday?
Restaurants, bars, cafes, hairdressers and shops will be allowed to reopen in Italy providing social distancing is enforced.
Catholic churches are preparing for the resumption of Mass, but there will be strict social distancing and worshippers must wear face masks. Other faiths will also be allowed to hold religious services.
But health officials have warned of the continued dangers of large social gatherings.
In Spain, a majority of people will have emerged from lockdown by the end of the week.
Outdoor seating in bars and restaurants will be allowed from Monday, as well as family reunions and meetings between friends providing no more than 10 people gather.
In Madrid and Barcelona, along with parts of the north-west, the majority of restrictions will remain in place, but some small shops will be allowed to reopen.
The country is now "very close" to stopping the transmission of the virus, the head of the emergency health centre, Fernando Simon, said on Sunday.
But he warned that the risk of a second wave of cases was "still very big".
Elsewhere in Europe, Belgium is to begin reopening primary and secondary schools under strict conditions on Monday.
Portugal, Greece, Denmark and Ireland are among a number of countries which are also set to relax their lockdown measures.
Latest Stories
-
Meta AI expands to Ghana, Nigeria and other countries in Africa; adds new features
9 mins -
GPL: Expect a new Kotoko against Samartex – Ogum tells fans
1 hour -
Court orders service of notice for DNA test to Mohbad’s wife
1 hour -
Changes to Ghana’s oil and gas royalty and licensing scheme to be implemented in 2024
1 hour -
Ghana’s oil production to rebound in 2024 growing by 5% – Fitch Solutions
1 hour -
Davido gifts fan $50K to clear off her student loan
1 hour -
Netflix: Profits soar after password sharing crackdown
2 hours -
OSP files additional charges against former PPA CEO Adjenim Boateng Adjei
2 hours -
Samuel Anini’s ‘Legacy of Hope’ to be launched in Finland
2 hours -
Fitch Solutions projects 19.0% average inflation for Ghana in 2024
2 hours -
Beijing half marathon: Top 3 stripped of medals after investigation
2 hours -
Nigerian Tunde Onakoya attempts to break chess marathon record
2 hours -
Government set to strip ECG of its billing, collection powers – Egyapa Mercer
2 hours -
We have to focus on Premier League now – Jurgen Klopp
2 hours -
Oil price rises as US says Israel has struck Iran
2 hours