TOP STORIES

-  G7 countries should donate 20 percent of their vaccine supplies to struggling nations, the executive director of UNICEF has said. Henrietta Fore was responding to the devastating spike in coronavirus cases globally. 

- People in England can hug again as COVID-19 restrictions are eased. They can also eat inside pubs and restaurants. However, concerns about the new variant first found in India mean ministers will meet on June 14 to discuss if the country can remove COVID-19 lockdown restrictions by June 21, as currently planned.

- The UK has also lifted travel restrictions for the 12 countries on its "green list," meaning tourists can visit them and return without UK quarantine if they have a negative COVID-19 test. But British Airways and Heathrow Airport have said the list is too short and the U.S. should be added to it. 

- Other parts of the aviation sector are also reporting losses due to the pandemic. Ryanair, the Irish low-cost airline, posted an annual net loss of $978 million. However, CEO Michael O'Leary said the company is "very optimistic for the coming couple of months" because of the success of the UK's vaccination program.

- Portugal has also ended its four-month-long ban on British tourists visiting the country. Around 20 flights from the UK are expected to arrive there on Monday, but inbound tourists will still have to have a negative test result before boarding their flight.

- Spain has also just had its first full weekend since the country's six-month state of emergency was lifted on May 9 at midnight – and Barcelona felt it. Spanish police cleared around 9,000 people from the city center, many of whom were taking part in "botellones," or events where people congregate in public spaces to drink. 

- Turkey is easing its full lockdown today, allowing people to move outside their residences during the day. But the government is keeping its night-time curfew in place until June, meaning that people will have to stay in their homes between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. local time.

- And some good news for the UK economy: An estimated 48 percent of smaller British manufacturers are expected to bounce back to their pre-COVID health in the next three months, according to a survey by South West Manufacturing Advisory Service.

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AROUND EUROPE 

Toni Waterman in Brussels

Belgium's COVID-19 reproduction rate has dropped to its lowest level in weeks, hitting 0.88. A number over one indicates the virus is expanding.

The number of new infections also continues to slide lower with an average of 2,267 new cases a day, a 25 percent drop from the previous week.

Meanwhile, Belgium's vaccination options appear to be somewhat limited. The country has only received 100,000 doses of the single-shot Johnson & Johnson (J&J) jab and it is unclear when further supplies will arrive.

No deliveries have been announced for the next few weeks and J&J has been hit with production problems in the U.S..

Penelope Liersch in Budapest

COVID-19 restrictions are easing further in Czechia on Monday with outdoor dining allowed to reopen. Tables have to be at least 1.5 meters apart, with a maximum of four people allowed at a table.

Guests need to have been vaccinated, have proof of a negative COVID-19 test or proof of post-coronavirus immunity. However, restaurants will not have to check these requirements, it will be up to individuals to produce proof in the event of an inspection. 

Gyms, dance studios and fitness centers can open to the public, also under strict hygiene conditions – vaccination or negative tests will also be required to use those services.

Primary school children will return to classrooms across the country and outdoor cultural events will be allowed with up to 700 people. Czech hospitals can start allowing visitors again. 

Slovakia will also have all children return to school across the country on Monday.

Temperature checks will be removed from all shopping malls and negative tests will no longer be required to enter. Sporting events under sports unions will be allowed to have audiences, the capacity depends on the district and its COVID-19 data.

In the yellow and orange districts people can eat indoors at restaurants.

Nawied Jabarkhyl in London

International travel is no longer illegal for people in England, Scotland and Wales. A ban will be lifted on Monday but strict rules remain. Only 12 countries are on the UK government's "green list" for travel and some, such as Australia, won't even admit British holidaymakers.

Monday also marks the next step out of lockdown for the three countries. It means people can now meet indoors in groups of up to six. Pubs and restaurants will also be allowed to serve customers indoors and entertainment venues such as museums and cinemas can reopen. Northern Ireland will review its rules on May 20.

Ross Cullen in Paris

The number of people who died from the coronavirus in France in the past 24 hours has dropped below 100 for the first time this year.

The number of COVID-19 patients being treated in intensive care has now fallen for 12 consecutive days. The government is monitoring the improving figures as the next stage of loosening restrictions, or deconfinement, approaches.

Bars, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, museums and non-essential shops are preparing to reopen on May 19.

Regarding the vaccination campaign, 20 million people have received at least their first vaccination, meaning that more than 30 percent of the French population have had at least one jab.

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CGTN Europe has been providing in-depth coverage of the novel coronavirus story as it has unfolded.