The World Health Organisation warns that the transition out of lockdown will be a complex and uncertain phase. “Challenges and circumstances vary from country to country and there is no one-size-fits-all approach.”

While many European countries wish to return the economy to its normal state, “it’s important to be clear that this will be a gradual process, requiring strict monitoring and a possible reintroduction of measures should there be a new increase in cases,” commented Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.

Meanwhile in the US, President Trump has introduced the guidelines for Opening Up America Again, which is a 3-phase reopening approach based on advice from health experts. The guidelines emphasize maintaining good personal hygiene, developing policies to ensure social distancing, testing, and contact tracing throughout all 3 phases.

Phase 1 mostly includes the current lockdown measures, but says that large venues “can operate under strict physical distancing protocols.” Phase 2 allows non-essential travel to resume. Phase 3 suggests that the states that are still detecting a downward trend in coronavirus cases could allow “public interactions.” Visits to hospitals and care homes could then be resumed. Bars would be allowed to increase their room capacity. The full guidelines can be read here.