Rio de Janeiro's bars and restaurants have reopened after more than three months of coronavirus lockdown, despite criticism by health specialists in Brazil, one of the world's worst-hit nations.

As part of a phased return to normality, bars, restaurants and cafes are authorised to reopen to 50 per cent capacity, with a distance of two metres between tables and priority given to open-air dining and drinking.

Rio's gyms, beauty and tattoo parlours may also open on a staggered basis, to avoid crowding.