This archive report was first published on 10 May 2020.
As the global coronavirus case count surpassed four million, governments around the world are grappling with the challenge of stopping the spread of the deadly disease while relieving pressure on their economies, which are facing a historic downturn.
On Sunday, some of the hardest-hit countries were preparing to lift lockdown restrictions, despite concerns about a second wave of infections that could overwhelm healthcare systems.
France and Spain, two of the countries most affected by the pandemic, are planning to ease restrictions, with officials in France reporting a significant drop in deaths and nursing home fatalities.
"I've been scared to death" about the reopening, said Maya Flandin, a bookshop manager from Lyon, France. "It's a big responsibility to have to protect my staff and my customers."
French health officials have warned that social distancing must be kept up even as restrictions are eased.
Belgium and Germany are also easing some restrictions, while Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to lay out a plan for the nation to emerge from its current lockdown.
However, the easing of restrictions has been met with mixed reactions, with some people expressing concerns about the risks of a second wave of infections.
Anti-lockdown protests have been held in several countries, with some demonstrators promoting conspiracy theories about the pandemic.
On Sunday, ten people were arrested and a police officer injured in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown protest.
