Italy: Italy on Monday began Phase 2 of its COVID-19 lockdown de-escalation, which will see some measures easing and the restart activities. Manufacturing of products like textiles and fashion items, construction and the wholesale trade linked to active sectors will resume activities with 4.4 million people expected to return to work, reports Efe news. However, bars and restaurants can only resume business with home deliveries or takeaways. They are expected to reopen on June 1 if the progression of infections and deaths continues a downward trend. (IANS)