Italy is giving select retailers permission to resume business operations. On Tuesday, officials gave stores nationwide the option to reopen so long as they maintained "the same distancing and security measures as supermarkets."
Shops allowed to reopen include booksellers, stationery stores and baby goods suppliers. The Italian Culture Minister said the businesses provided essential goods amid the coronavirus pandemic. Forestry workers were also allowed to return so they could clear dead trees ahead of forest fire season.
The easing of lockdown measures in some areas follows reports that more than 20,000 people in Italy have now died from COVID-19. However, the number of patients in intensive care has reportedly dropped from just over 4,000 to just over 3,200.
Last week, Italy announced that it would extend its national lockdown until May 3. Meanwhile, the European Commission has encouraged EU nations to coordinate their efforts to ease restrictions gradually.
Contains footage from CNN.
