Europe passed the milestone of 250,000 deaths from Covid -19 on Sunday as Israel and Australia’s second-largest city of Melbourne began to gradually ease their strict lock downs.
Nighttime curfews on millions came into force in France this weekend and Switzerland required all its citizens to wear masks in indoor public places.
European nations have ratcheted up restrictions on daily life to tackle soaring infections, with a 44% increase in cases this week.
The government lifted that restriction on Sunday and reopened kindergartens, beaches and national parks.
But Israel has managed to flatten its outbreak through draconian measures including a ban on travelling more than a kilometre from home.
In Australia, Melbourne has managed to control its upsurge in cases and officials were able to allow the city’s five million inhabitants to leave their homes for more than two hours a day for the first time in three months.
While people will be allowed to travel up to 25 kilometres from home if they have valid reasons, restaurants and other businesses in Melbourne remain closed.
In Europe however, the increase in cases is reaching alarming levels.