People are desperate to get back to normal life during the coronavirus pandemic.
As the virus continues to hit hard, parts of the world are starting to ease up on lockdowns and open areas back up to the public.
Countries hit hardest by the outbreak, including Italy and the U.S., are seeing people flock back to tourist sites in droves, causing some concern for those worried about a second wave of illness.
After nearly two months of strict lockdown, Italy eased its restrictions and allowed people back out into the world. On Monday, hordes of people flocked to St. Mark’s Square in Venice, many wearing masks but likely not able to physically distance very well.
Commuters filled the platforms of Cadorna railway station in Milan on Monday as construction industry workers, manufacturers and some wholesale store employees were allowed back to work for the first time in nine weeks.
Spain‘s lockdowns lifted on Saturday and many headed to the beaches in Malaga. Authorities are attempting to enforce physical distancing, Tourism Minister Reyes Maroto told El Pais.
Barcelona beaches were also buzzing with activity on Saturday as the Spanish city’s residents enjoyed the first day of freedom in a long while.
A huge crowd gathered at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to watch the navy’s Blue Angel and air force’s Thunderbirds conduct a flyover on Saturday. The flyover was to honour health-care workers on the front lines of the pandemic.
Florida began reopening public beaches on Monday and residents didn’t waste a moment before heading to the shores. Clearwater Beach in Tampa Bay, full of signs recommending people keep a six-foot distance from one another, was full of beach-goers.
As of Saturday, Queensland, Australia residents were allowed to leave their homes, provided they maintain social distancing and don’t stray more than 50 kilometres from their primary home. Hordes of people filled a public park in Miami, Queensland.
As of Monday afternoon, total confirmed cases of the coronavirus worldwide had reached more than 3,550,000.
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Questions about COVID-19? Here are some things you need to know:
Health officials caution against all international travel. Returning travellers are legally obligated to self-isolate for 14 days, beginning March 26, in case they develop symptoms and to prevent spreading the virus to others. Some provinces and territories have also implemented additional recommendations or enforcement measures to ensure those returning to the area self-isolate.
Symptoms can include fever, cough and difficulty breathing — very similar to a cold or flu. Some people can develop a more severe illness. People most at risk of this include older adults and people with severe chronic medical conditions like heart, lung or kidney disease. If you develop symptoms, contact public health authorities.
To prevent the virus from spreading, experts recommend frequent handwashing and coughing into your sleeve. They also recommend minimizing contact with others, staying home as much as possible and maintaining a distance of two metres from other people if you go out.
For full COVID-19 coverage from Global News, click here.
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