More easing in Europe but virus hits hard in S America, Africa

Restaurants and churches will reopen in Italy on May 18 as part of a fresh wave of lockdown easing in Europe, but rising coronavirus death tolls in Brazil, South Africa and other parts of the world showed the worst is still to come in many countries.

The relaxation of curbs in some places comes as governments around the world struggle to repair the vast economic damage unleashed by the pandemic, with Japan the latest to slump into a recession and the Fed warning of a severe U.S. downturn as the global infection count topped 4.7 million.

But the World Health Organization has warned that reopening too quickly without a vaccine could trigger a second devastating wave of infections, and the body will host a virtual global health assembly this week to help chart a course out of the crisis.

Once the worst-hit country in the world, Italy on May 18 will take its latest step in a cautious, gradual return to normality, allowing businesses and churches to reopen after a two-month lockdown.

"I share the joy of those communities who can finally reunite as liturgical assemblies, a sign of hope for all society," Pope Francis said on May 17 during his live-streamed prayer, with Saint Peter's Basilica also throwing its door open to visitors.

The Vatican, an independent enclave in the heart of Rome, has applied the same anti-virus measures as Italy, which imposed strict lockdowns after a dizzying rise in COVID-19 deaths and infections that overwhelmed hospitals.

Businesses including restaurants, bars, cafes, hairdressers, and stores will be allowed to re-open on May 18. Gyms, pools, cinemas and theatres are allowed to open on May 25.

Spain is also set to further ease its lockdown measures, while Germany has already taken several...