Various countries across the world have begun to announce phase-wise relaxation from the lockdown & curfews. Here is a brief summary about the relaxation plans of various countries around the world. In Factly’s earlier article, we looked at lockdown measures across the world in detail. The date of announcement of lockdown measures in different countries along with the nature of their lockdowns was highlighted. In this article, let’s look at how different countries plan to gradually lift or re-impose lockdowns in the coming days. As countries seek to get businesses and industriesgoing again, the World Health Organization (WHO) is giving advice and warningsover the easing of coronavirus lockdowns. The organisation has warned that itshould be done slowly and only when there is capacity to isolate cases andtrace contacts. Most countries plan to gradually lift the lockdown andtheir crucial decisions are based on the condition that their COVID-19infection rate becomes stable in the coming days. While a variety of relaxations are being announcedacross the world, wearing of masks has been prescribed as mandatory in allpublic spaces. Asia-Pacific In China, authorities have been easing restrictionsgradually and regionally. From end March itself, authorities had begun easingWuhan’s lockdown after the infection rate dropped, allowing people fromcertified ‘epidemic-free’ residential compounds out of their homes for twohours a day. Travel restrictions were also eased in Hubei province and in otherparts as well. Public transport has been reinstated but schools remain closed.In China’s other regions and cities, where the outbreak was less severe,many factories, shops and restaurants have been open, although officeworkers have continued to work from home where possible. India is under lockdown until 03 May, but conditionalrelaxations in certain selected sectors have come into effect. The government hadannounced allowing some industries, such as farming and construction in ruralareas, to open after 20 April. Variousagricultural and commercial shops can now operate during the lockdown. Whathappens after 03 May, remains to be seen. Pakistan, which extended its shutdown to end of April,has announced that some industries would reopen in phases. This will start withconstruction and export industries, such as garments. In Japan, a month-long state of emergency has been inforce in cities since 07 April, but nationwide businesses have been allowed tooperate during the lockdown. Singapore aimed to relax restrictions to allow forschools and most workplaces to reopen on 04 May, but the country has decided toextend it to 01 June. New Zealand has no immediate easing plans withschools, restaurants, cafes and gyms. Similarly, Australia has not announcedany definite end date for lockdown or relaxations. Countries like South Korea and Taiwan have avoidedfull lockdown but continue to promote social distancing. United States, Canada & Latin America The United States is moving toward a gradualresumption of business. New York Governor announced that they would begin withreopening the most essential businesses and those with the lowest infectionrisk. However, some governors have warned there was no return to a pre-pandemic‘normal’ until a vaccine becomes available. Canada has announced to keep non-essential businessesshut for several more weeks. The lockdown was extended for another 28 days insome provinces after it was due to expire on 23 April. In Argentina, the government is considering wideningthe list of essential services to allow some businesses back. In Brazil and Mexico, lockdowns are set to continuetill April end. Further announcements are awaited. Middle East and Africa In Iran, social distancing measures were eased from 11April to allow ‘low-risk’ business activity to resume. The suspension of‘high-risk activities’ – schools, universities and various social, cultural,sports and religious events – has not been relaxed yet. Saudi Arabia has stopped year-round pilgrimages toMecca and extended a nationwide lockdown indefinitely. Egypt has closed places of worship, schools andtourist sites and banned public religious gatherings during the month ofRamadan. Israel keeps ‘stay-at-home’ orders for all exceptthose who work in vital industries and said any exit strategy will be ‘slow andresponsible’. South Africa has extended a complete lockdown untilthe end of April and said key sectors could be reopened gradually under‘strictly controlled conditions’. Nigeria has also extended the lockdown of the statesof Lagos, Abuja and Ogun until end of April, exempting only critical workers.Most large African nations so far have no plans to ease restrictions.