Virus Deaths Ease in Europe as Worst-Hit Countries Get Respite

  • Germany takes first steps to re-open some retail spaces
  • Spain extends lockdown on concern over second infection wave

Sunbathers lie in the park next to Schoeneberg town hall in Berlin on April 18.

Photographer: Odd Anderrsen/AFP via Getty Images

Lock
This article is for subscribers only.

Sign up here for our daily coronavirus newsletter on what you need to know, and subscribe to our Covid-19 podcast for the latest news and analysis.

The coronavirus pandemic showed the first signs of easing in Europe as Italy, Spain and France, the region’s hardest-hit countries, reported the smallest increases in fatalities in weeks and Germany prepared to jump-start commercial life again.