Fractures in many nations widen as virus lockdowns ease

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Regional and political fractures are emerging in many nations over how fast to lift the lid on the coronavirus lockdowns, as worries about economic devastation collide with fears of a second wave of deaths.

French mayors are resisting the government’s call to reopen schools, while Italian governors want Rome to ease lockdown measures faster.

As the British government looks to reopen the economy, Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon has warned that acting too fast could let the virus wreak havoc again.

“Any significant easing up of restrictions at this stage would be very, very risky indeed,” Sturgeon said.

People ride on the new bike lanes on May 7 in Paris. The French capital enlarged bicycles lanes, shown with yellow painting, as it prepares the end of lockdown next Monday. — AP
People ride on the new bike lanes on May 7 in Paris. The French capital enlarged bicycles lanes, shown with yellow painting, as it prepares the end of lockdown next Monday. — AP

Read the full AP story here.

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