The world is starting to look for a light at the end of the pandemic tunnel.
Countries like Spain, which is seeing a decrease in infections, are considering loosening restrictions. Italy, one of the hardest hit by the virus, began opening up on April 14. Austria now allows garden centres and small stores to reopen, but physical distancing protocols remain in place. Germany expects to start lifting restrictions on April 20.
As cases decline in Denmark, the country has begun to reopen some schools and churches, although large gatherings are still prohibited. France remains in lockdown but expects to start opening schools up after May 11. Restaurants and festivals will be restricted until mid-July.
The rate of infection of COVID-19 is still rising in the U.K., Turkey, Ukraine and Belarus.
The U.S. is currently considering opening up the country, in three phases. Some states could begin this month. Pressure is on to get the economy restarted.
A look at the latest retail statistics from the U.S. Commerce Department reveal how hard certain sectors were hit. U.S. retail was down in March by seven percent, compared to the same month a year ago. Clothing stores led the drop. They were down by 52 percent.
Department stores, restaurants and gas stations were all down about 25 percent year over year. The retail sector that saw the biggest gains was grocery stores, up 27 percent. They were followed by food and beverage stores, up almost 25 percent, and building material and garden equipment stores, which were up 10 percent.
