Lockdown restrictions

Tonga eases lockdown restrictions

Restaurants and food outlets are opening for the first time in two weeks, but with only takeaway options allowed.

According to new lockdown rules introduced by Tonga's Government, businesses can operate between 5am to 8pm until Monday.

Since 20 March most Tongan businesses, including all shops and gas stations, have only been allowed to open on Saturdays.

However, bars and liquor stores will still be prohibited from opening.

Owner of the Billfish Restaurant and Bar in Nuku'alofa Robert Sullivan said that bars have been totally ignored.

Tonga eases lockdown restrictions

All government offices will open and the rules will also be relaxed for shops and takeaway food services.

But the 6pm to 6am curfew lockdown remains.

Funerals and weddings are allowed and will still have the same number of people able to attend the events, with 10 inside and 20 outside.

Those needing to have their physical exercise can also do so with mask on and social distancing.

Schools will remain closed for next week with radio school programs continuing.

Italy's PM outlines lockdown easing measures

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said curbs would be eased from 4 May, with people being allowed to visit their relatives in small numbers, in masks.

Parks will reopen, but schools will not restart classes until September.

Italy has reported 26,644 virus-related deaths, Europe's highest official toll.

The country recorded 260 new deaths on Sunday, the lowest daily figure since 14 March. It has confirmed 197,675 cases of the virus, according to data from Johns Hopkins University, which is tracking the disease globally.