Countries lift lockdown even as pandemic rages across the world

Countries around the world are gradually lifting the strict virus lockdown as governments ease curbs and allow normal life to resume. Almost all countries had closed all activity due to the fast-spreading coronavirus that has claimed more than 3 lakh lives around the world. The forced lockdown has disrupted economies, forcing governments to reopen, even while the scare of the virus remains. Here are some snapshots of popular destinations that have started opening up to visitors.

Despite one of the worst outbreaks of COVID-19 in the US, President Donald Trump has started opening up America. Seen here is hair stylist Zak Moukhtabir working on the hair of Cheyenne Foster at the Georgetown Salon & Spa in Washington. Barbershops and salons have been reopened in Washington. They can serve customers by appointment only and "No waiting inside the shop" is allowed, Mayor Muriel Bowser said.

In a bid to revive its devastated tourism sector, the Spanish government has reopened all the beaches.
The tourism sector has been majorly hit ever since the lockdown was put in place. It alone accounts for one in eight jobs in Spain and contributes to 12 per cent of Spain's GDP, reports Reuters.
Spain, which is amongst the worst pandemic hit countries, reported zero deaths on Monday i.e June 1, 2020. All beaches, except those around Barcelona, have been allowed to open for the public.

Italy, the country which has seen one of the longest lockdowns following the deadliest outbreak of the disease has slowly started opening up. In fact, it will even allow international travel from June 3. Italy's famous tourist sites- the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, which remained closed for more than three months due to coronavirus have started welcoming tourists.
In this picture, journalists can be seen at a press conference inside the Colosseum in Rome. It is one of Italy's most visited monuments. The Colosseum, Palatine, Roman Forum, and Domus Aurea reopened to the public on 1 June with some access restrictions for visitors. The Colosseum which once attracted 3000 tourists in a day has some 14 tourists now and each one is following safety protocols.

The Ministry of Home Affairs had issued guidelines on May 30, 2020 on the phased opening of the country after the nationwide lockdown of over two months. The phased unlocking guidelines will only be applicable to non-containment zones while special instructions have been put forward for containment or red zones.
Religious places, hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and hospitality sector outside containment zones would be allowed to reopen for the public from June 8. Metro rails would also resume operations. Dates for the opening of schools,  colleges, training centers, coaching centers,  cinema halls, swimming pools, gymnasiums, theatres, entertainment parks, auditoriums, bars are yet to be decided.

Seen here is a worker placing chairs at a fish restaurant ahead of its reopening in Piraeus, near Athens.

Life in Germany is beginning to revive with gyms opening up. Businesses, schools, restaurants, shops and churches have also been reopened or are about to open in some areas but with strict social distancing measures. Religious places have also thrown open their doors from early May

Portugal is one of the first European countries to welcome tourists after the lockdown, according to Reuters. The country had already reopened some shops and restaurants in mid- March.
The European country is keen to revive its tourism sector, which makes up around 10% of Portugal's GDP, and is eager to be able to welcome its tourists again.

Here's a  view of Avila Beach in California. The beaches in Pismo Beach and Avila Beach, California, were fairly packed with tourists during Memorial Day weekend with the coronavirus pandemic still ongoing. California governor has been gradually easing lockdown restrictions. It has also followed phased unlocking. Hair salons, barbershops and churches have been reopened.