Millions of Europeans were preparing for a return to partial normality, a day before officials relax some of the world's harshest coronavirus lockdown measures, AFP reports.

In France, hair salons, clothes shops, florists and bookshops will open again on Monday but bars, restaurants, theatres and cinemas remain closed.

Half of Spain's 47 million people will be able to meet family or friends in gatherings of up to 10 and bars and restaurants with outdoor space can reopen.

European officials have been emboldened by declining death rates — France's toll of 80 on Saturday was its lowest since early April and Spain's daily fatalities have dropped below 200.

Masks will be compulsory on public transport in France and regions will reopen according to the seriousness of their outbreaks. — AFP
Masks will be compulsory on public transport in France and regions will reopen according to the seriousness of their outbreaks. — AFP

Opinion

Editorial

Holding the line
16 Mar, 2026

Holding the line

PAKISTAN’S long battle against polio has recently produced encouraging signs. Data from the national eradication...
Power self-reliance
Updated 16 Mar, 2026

Power self-reliance

PAKISTAN’S transition to domestic sources of electricity is a welcome development for a country that has long been...
Looking for safety
16 Mar, 2026

Looking for safety

AS the Middle East conflict enters its third week, the war’s most enduring victims are not those who wage it....
Battling hate
Updated 15 Mar, 2026

Battling hate

In the current scenario, geopolitical conflict, racial prejudice and religious bigotry all contribute to the threats Muslims face.
TB drugs shortage
15 Mar, 2026

TB drugs shortage

‘CRIMINAL negligence’ is the phrase that jumps to mind when one considers the disturbing consequences of the...
Chinese diplomacy
Updated 14 Mar, 2026

Chinese diplomacy

THERE are signs that China is taking a more active role in trying to resolve the issue of cross-border terrorism...