Austrian, Czech officials plan to ease some virus measures

BERLIN (AP) — Austria and the Czech Republic said Monday they plan to relax some restrictions imposed because of the coronavirus starting after Easter, getting ahead of their European counterparts as they announced proposals that would begin a slow return to normal life.

The Austrian government said it aims to allow shops shuttered because of the pandemic to reopen in phases beginning in just over a week. But Chancellor Sebastian Kurz cautioned that authorities could activate the “emergency brake” if infections accelerate once more.

Kurz said the upcoming days “will be decisive in whether the resurrection after Easter that we all want can take place.” He said the government also is extending its three-week-old restrictions on public movement until the end of April.

Speaking in Vienna, Kurz said the government's plan is to reopen small shops of less than 400 square meters (4,305 square feet) on April 14 along with DIY stores and garden centers. The number of people permitted inside will be limited, and all will have to wear face masks, as they already must do at Austria's supermarkets, he said. People also will have to start wearing masks on public transport.

Authorities hope to let the rest of the retail stores open on May 1, including shopping malls and hair salons. The government doesn't plan to reopen restaurants and hotels until at least mid-May, and the decision will be made at the end of April.

After small shops are reopened next week, “we will watch things closely,” Kurz said. “If the (infection) figures continue to develop in the right direction, then the next step will take place on May 1. If we are not successful, then we must pull the emergency brake.”

Much of Europe was effectively shut down after clusters of COVID-19 cases first emerged in Italy in late February and other parts of the...