Belgium unveils plans to lift lockdown

Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès has announced an in-depth decide to lift the country's coronavirus restrictions gradually.

Under new rules, all shops are allowed to open their doors again from 11 May, with schools reopening the subsequent week - albeit with a cap on pupil numbers in each class.

But Ms Wilmès cautioned that "nothing is set in stone".

More than 44,000 people have tested positive for the virus in Belgium.

Almost 6,700 deaths are recorded within the nation of 11.4 million - the highest rate per capita in Europe. Over half the fatalities are in care homes.

Comparisons with other European countries could also be somewhat misleading, however, as some countries are believed to be under-reporting deaths.

After hours of discussions on Friday, Prime Minister Wilmès announced a timetable to gradually end the country's lockdown, which began on 12 March.

The first businesses to open are fabric shops on 4 May to assist people in adjusting to new regulations requiring all Belgians aged 12 or over to wear masks on transport. Other shops will reopen a week later.

Schools will return from 18 May, but no over ten children are going to be allowed in each class. Cafes and restaurants won't be permitted to open before 8 June.

Several other European countries have already announced measures to ease their lockdowns. On Friday, the Czech Republic ended restrictions on free movement which had been put in place to assist halt the spread of coronavirus.

Some shops have already reopened in Germany and schools will gradually open from 4 May, although bars, cafes, restaurants, cinemas and music venues will all remain closed.

Meanwhile, Poland's Health Minister Lukasz Szumowski demanded a two-year delay to the presidential election - because of occurring in two weeks - saying it was the safest situation given the pandemic. So far, the governing Law and Justice party have resisted public and opposition pressure to postpone the vote.