Australia is considering to set a minimum age for children to use social media due to concerns about their mental and physical health. Watch to know more.

Australia may restrict social media for younger users

Greece has ordered some businesses not to let their employees perform heavy outdoor duties during afternoon hours this week as the country sizzles in yet another heat wave.

Greece Heatwave: Greece restricts outdoor work

Amid concerns over import duty restrictions on mobile phones, laptops and other IT hardware, the Indian government on Friday (August 4) clarified that the order won’t come into force immediately and that a buffer period would be given for a smooth transition.

“There will be a transition period for this to be put into effect which will be notified soon,” said Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar on social media platform X.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry in a notification issued late Friday said that the implementation of the new import rules for laptops and mobile phones won’t go into effect till October 31. Hence, the new rules will come into effect on November 1.

<h2>Curb restriction order stoked concerns&nbsp;</h2>

The clarification came a day after the Indian government imposed a licensing requirement for the import of laptops, tablets, and personal computers to help promote domestic manufacturing of these products under the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for IT hardware.

The announcement stoked fears that import restrictions could affect supplies resulting in increases in prices.

Chandrasekhar defended the move saying that all is being done to protect and strengthen the domestic manufacturing system from cheap imports.

“This is not at all abot license raj - It is about regulating imports to ensure trusted and verifiable systems AND ensuring India tech eco-system uses trusted n verified systems only that are imported and/or domestically manufactured trusted systems / products (sic),” he said.

The import restrictions have been directed at goods coming from China, Korea and Indonesia.

<h2>Why has India restricted the import of laptops, computers &amp; tablets?</h2>

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<h2>'Move will improve domestic manufacturing'</h2>

Earlier in the day, the IT ministry said that the government would be prompt in issuing licences and not create supply gaps in the market.

New Delhi will issue licences for companies to import laptops and tablets within two days. Licences can be obtained online, Reuters news agency reported.

To apply for the licences, companies will have to provide information on consignment origin, number of pieces and past import history.

The Indian government had taken a similar move on smart TV imports a year ago to boost domestic manufacturing.

“India is becoming one of world’s fastest growing markets for digital products including laptops and servers. It is govt’s objective to ensure trusted hardware and systems, reduce import dependence and increase domestic manufacturing of this category of products. It is about regulating imports to ensure trusted and verifiable systems and ensuring India tech ecosystem uses trusted and verified systems only that are imported and/or domestically manufactured trusted systems / products,” Chandrasekhar posted on X.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Amid concerns over import duty restrictions on mobile phones, laptops and other IT hardware, the Indian government on Friday (August 4) clarified that the order won’t come into force immediately and that a buffer period would be given for a smooth transition.

Amid concerns over import duty restrictions on mobile phones, laptops and other IT hardware, the Indian government on Friday (August 4) clarified that the order won’t come into force immediately and that a buffer period would be given for a smooth transition. “There will be a transition period for this to be put into effect which will be notified soon,” said Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar on social media platform X. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry in a notification issued late Friday said that the implementation of the new import rules for laptops and mobile phones won’t go into effect till October 31. Hence, the new rules will come into effect on November 1. Curb restriction order stoked concerns The clarification came a day after the Indian government imposed a licensing requirement for the import of laptops, tablets, and personal computers to help promote domestic manufacturing of these products under the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for IT hardware. The announcement stoked fears that import restrictions could affect supplies resulting in increases in prices. Chandrasekhar defended the move saying that all is being done to protect and strengthen the domestic manufacturing system from cheap imports. “This is not at all abot license raj - It is about regulating imports to ensure trusted and verifiable systems AND ensuring India tech eco-system uses trusted n verified systems only that are imported and/or domestically manufactured trusted systems / products (sic),” he said. The import restrictions have been directed at goods coming from China, Korea and Indonesia. Why has India restricted the import of laptops, computers & tablets? 'Move will improve domestic manufacturing' Earlier in the day, the IT ministry said that the government would be prompt in issuing licences and not create supply gaps in the market. New Delhi will issue licences for companies to import laptops and tablets within two days. Licences can be obtained online, Reuters news agency reported. To apply for the licences, companies will have to provide information on consignment origin, number of pieces and past import history. The Indian government had taken a similar move on smart TV imports a year ago to boost domestic manufacturing. “India is becoming one of world’s fastest growing markets for digital products including laptops and servers. It is govt’s objective to ensure trusted hardware and systems, reduce import dependence and increase domestic manufacturing of this category of products. It is about regulating imports to ensure trusted and verifiable systems and ensuring India tech ecosystem uses trusted and verified systems only that are imported and/or domestically manufactured trusted systems / products,” Chandrasekhar posted on X. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Indian govt defers curbs on laptop, mobile imports, gives three-month breather

New Zealand announced Sunday that it would impose its highest level of COVID restrictions across the country at midnight, after at least nine cases of the highly transmissible omicron variant were reported.

The cases, in the South Island town of Nelson, are the first omicron infections detected outside of workers connected to the international airport or the country’s hotel quarantine facilities. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said some of the infected people had attended a large wedding in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city.

“That means omicron is now circulating in Auckland and possibly the Nelson-Marlborough region, if not elsewhere,” Ardern said at a news conference announcing the restrictions.

New Zealand was pursuing a zero-COVID strategy until last year, when a major outbreak of the delta variant forced it to give up those aspirations. But its numbers have remained low. Over the past two months, New Zealand has reported just a few dozen new cases per day.

It was unclear how the people in Nelson — members of a single, multigenerational family — had contracted the virus, though Ardern said they had recently flown on the same Air New Zealand flight as an air steward who later tested positive with omicron.

Ardern said the new measures, classified as “Red” under the country’s traffic-light-based system, were “not lockdown.”

“At Red, businesses stay open and you can do most of things that you normally do, including visiting family and friends and traveling around the country,” she said.

But people who are not vaccinated will face significant restrictions, including being barred from worship services and from businesses that serve food or drinks. Schools will stay open, but all pupils from third grade up must wear masks. Events like weddings and funerals will be limited to 100 people, all of whom must be vaccinated. (If unvaccinated people attend, the limit is reduced to 25.)

More than 93% of New Zealand’s population ages 12 and older are considered fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, but only 23% have received a booster shot. The new restrictions are expected to be kept in place for a number of weeks as more booster shots are distributed.

On Friday, New Zealand announced that people who test positive for the virus would need to isolate for 14 days, up from 10. Their close contacts must now isolate for 10 days, instead of a week.

The omicron variant has brought the pandemic to some of the most remote regions of the world this past week. Some island nations in the Pacific recorded their first cases, prompting the first lockdowns of the pandemic in Kiribati and Samoa.

At the news conference, Ardern said that her wedding to her partner, television host Clarke Gayford, would not be held in the coming weeks as planned.

“I am no different to, dare I say it, thousands of other New Zealanders who have had much more devastating impacts from the pandemic,” she said of the postponement. “The most gutting of which is the inability to be with a loved one when they are gravely ill — that will far, far outstrip any sadness I experience.”

New Zealand announced Sunday that it would impose its highest level of COVID restrictions across the country at midnight, after at least nine cases of the highly transmissible omicron variant were reported.

New Zealand announced Sunday that it would impose its highest level of COVID restrictions across the country at midnight, after at least nine cases of the highly transmissible omicron variant were reported. The cases, in the South Island town of Nelson, are the first omicron infections detected outside of workers connected to the international airport or the country’s hotel quarantine facilities. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said some of the infected people had attended a large wedding in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. “That means omicron is now circulating in Auckland and possibly the Nelson-Marlborough region, if not elsewhere,” Ardern said at a news conference announcing the restrictions. New Zealand was pursuing a zero-COVID strategy until last year, when a major outbreak of the delta variant forced it to give up those aspirations. But its numbers have remained low. Over the past two months, New Zealand has reported just a few dozen new cases per day. It was unclear how the people in Nelson — members of a single, multigenerational family — had contracted the virus, though Ardern said they had recently flown on the same Air New Zealand flight as an air steward who later tested positive with omicron. Ardern said the new measures, classified as “Red” under the country’s traffic-light-based system, were “not lockdown.” “At Red, businesses stay open and you can do most of things that you normally do, including visiting family and friends and traveling around the country,” she said. But people who are not vaccinated will face significant restrictions, including being barred from worship services and from businesses that serve food or drinks. Schools will stay open, but all pupils from third grade up must wear masks. Events like weddings and funerals will be limited to 100 people, all of whom must be vaccinated. (If unvaccinated people attend, the limit is reduced to 25.) More than 93% of New Zealand’s population ages 12 and older are considered fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, but only 23% have received a booster shot. The new restrictions are expected to be kept in place for a number of weeks as more booster shots are distributed. On Friday, New Zealand announced that people who test positive for the virus would need to isolate for 14 days, up from 10. Their close contacts must now isolate for 10 days, instead of a week. The omicron variant has brought the pandemic to some of the most remote regions of the world this past week. Some island nations in the Pacific recorded their first cases, prompting the first lockdowns of the pandemic in Kiribati and Samoa. At the news conference, Ardern said that her wedding to her partner, television host Clarke Gayford, would not be held in the coming weeks as planned. “I am no different to, dare I say it, thousands of other New Zealanders who have had much more devastating impacts from the pandemic,” she said of the postponement. “The most gutting of which is the inability to be with a loved one when they are gravely ill — that will far, far outstrip any sadness I experience.”

With Omicron circulating, New Zealand imposes its toughest restrictions

Thousands of people took to the streets in Amsterdam to protest against the restrictions imposed due to Covid. This led to clashes and nearly 30 people were arrested for offences including assault, public disorder, possession of a forbidden weapon and not respecting security forces, said police. In several videos which have emerged on social media, the majority of protestors can be seen without a face mask.&nbsp;

As per police, the anti-riot officers had to use force after protesters refused to leave despite a warning. Nearly four officers were injured in the clashes.&nbsp;

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The people of Amsterdam begin the new year in defiance of their government’s ban on protests, with tens of thousands taking to the streets in a massive protest against ongoing lockdowns, vaccine passes and COVID tyranny despite a vaccination rate over 75%.<a href="https://t.co/qvYAJTDb9b">pic.twitter.com/qvYAJTDb9b</a>
— Michael P Senger (@MichaelPSenger) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelPSenger/status/1477692411660832768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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— Aleksander Onishchuk (@Brave_spirit81) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brave_spirit81/status/1477625793454956547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"This is Holland! Power to the people!" a protestor said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/americans-think-violence-against-government-can-be-justified-new-polls-find-441854">Also read |&nbsp;Americans think violence against government can be justified, new polls find</a>

The Netherlands began lockdown to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant just before the Christmas season. Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced the sudden shut-down, ordering the closure of all but the most essential stores, as well as restaurants, hairdressers, gyms, museums and other public places from until at least January 14.

"Closing all bars and restaurants in such an important month is incredibly painful and dramatic. We need compensation and an exit strategy", the Dutch association for hospitality services said.

All schools were closed a week early for the Christmas break while households were recommended to receive no more than two visitors and the gatherings outside were also limited to a maximum of two people.

As a result, the hospitality workers demanded compensation for lost income in the holiday season, while gym owners stressed the importance of exercise during a health crisis.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/thousands-of-people-took-to-the-streets-of-amsterdam-to-protest-against-covid-restrictions-441882/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of people took to the streets in Amsterdam to protest against the restrictions imposed due to Covid. This led to clashes and nearly 30 people were arrested for offences including assault, public disorder, possession of a forbidden weapon and not respecting security forces, said police.

Thousands of people took to the streets in Amsterdam to protest against the restrictions imposed due to Covid. This led to clashes and nearly 30 people were arrested for offences including assault, public disorder, possession of a forbidden weapon and not respecting security forces, said police. In several videos which have emerged on social media, the majority of protestors can be seen without a face mask. As per police, the anti-riot officers had to use force after protesters refused to leave despite a warning. Nearly four officers were injured in the clashes. The people of Amsterdam begin the new year in defiance of their government’s ban on protests, with tens of thousands taking to the streets in a massive protest against ongoing lockdowns, vaccine passes and COVID tyranny despite a vaccination rate over 75%.pic.twitter.com/qvYAJTDb9b — Michael P Senger (@MichaelPSenger) January 2, 2022 × #BreakingNews #Amsterdam. Protest against covid restrictions #COVID19 #Covid_19 #VaccinePassport #healthpass #Demonstrations #protests #museumplein pic.twitter.com/7XUoLHTZl4 — Aleksander Onishchuk (@Brave_spirit81) January 2, 2022 × "This is Holland! Power to the people!" a protestor said. Also read | Americans think violence against government can be justified, new polls find The Netherlands began lockdown to prevent the spread of the Omicron variant just before the Christmas season. Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced the sudden shut-down, ordering the closure of all but the most essential stores, as well as restaurants, hairdressers, gyms, museums and other public places from until at least January 14. "Closing all bars and restaurants in such an important month is incredibly painful and dramatic. We need compensation and an exit strategy", the Dutch association for hospitality services said. All schools were closed a week early for the Christmas break while households were recommended to receive no more than two visitors and the gatherings outside were also limited to a maximum of two people. As a result, the hospitality workers demanded compensation for lost income in the holiday season, while gym owners stressed the importance of exercise during a health crisis. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Thousands protest in Amsterdam against Covid restrictions

Many Afghanistan citizens have been disappointed by the new stringent restrictions imposed on the local population in several of the districts that the Taliban have lately conquered, despite ongoing talks with the Afghan government and the US army withdrawal.&nbsp;

Residents of Balkh were taken aback when they received leaflets from the Taliban ordering them to follow severe regulations identical to those enforced on Afghans when the Taliban ruled the nation from 1996 to 2001.&nbsp;

Gul Rahim Niazman and Roshan Noorzai, writing in Voice of America (VOA) said that new severe restrictions were imposed on the local population in some of the districts that they have been recently captured by the Taliban. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: What did the U.S. achieve in Afghanistan? Nothing

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A district in northern Balkh province that is located 20 kilometres north of the provincial capital, Mazar-e Sharif, confirmed to VOA that the Taliban have distributed leaflets to follow a strict interpretation of Sharia law. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-controls-two-thirds-of-afghan-tajik-border-russia-397007">Also read | Taliban controls two-thirds of Afghan-Tajik border: Russia</a> 
 
"They want to impose the restrictions that were imposed on women under their rule," said Nahida, a 34-year-old resident of Balkh district, adding that the restrictions targeting women include "not leaving our houses without a male companion and wearing hijab."

According to VOA, the Taliban forced Afghans to adopt a rigid application of Sharia law before being ousted by the US in 2001, forcing women to cover themselves from head to foot and barring them from leaving their homes without a male companion.&nbsp;

Nahida, who requested to be identified by her pseudonym due to safety concerns, said the group's new restrictions will be difficult for women to follow "since many of them are the breadwinners of their families and they have to work outside."

According to the Afghan government, about 30 per cent of the civil servants are now women who were not allowed to work outside their homes during the Taliban's rule, reported VOA.

Last year, following its peace agreement with the United States, the Taliban leadership initially appeared to recognize this new reality and hinted at an openness to changing policies. In interviews with news agencies and in published essays, the group's leaders hinted at an openness to changing policies.

But in this year's spring offensive, the Taliban's actions have indicated otherwise, writes Niazman and Noorzai.

Since May, when the United States and NATO began withdrawing their remaining troops, the Taliban captured about 100 of Afghanistan's more than 400 districts from government-allied forces. Afghan officials have since vowed to retake the lost districts.

Another resident of Balkh, who requested anonymity due to fears of retaliation by the militants, said "salons were ordered not to shave or trim beards" when the Taliban controlled the district last month.

In several districts of Takhar, Badakhshan, and Kunduz province that came under the Taliban control recently, local reports claim the Taliban issued similar restrictions on women and forced men to grow beards, reported VOA.

Heather Barr, a Human Rights Watch (HRW) senior researcher for women's rights in Asia, said that reports about the Taliban recent crackdown on women and media were "not very surprising" since her organization's investigation has found that "the Taliban's policies are not that different from what they were in 2001."

It is "very concerning indeed for human rights," Barr told VOA, adding that "some of these abusive attitudes are actually intensifying as they are feeling triumphant in gaining control of more and more territory."

This skepticism was also shared by Sher Jan Ahmadzai, the director of Center for Afghanistan Studies at the University of Nebraska.

"There is no evidence to substantiate their claims that they have changed their tactics of dealing with the local populace in the areas of their control," said Ahmadzai.

He added that local reports from the areas under the Taliban show the militants have forced residents to feed them and forced the women not to venture out of their houses without their partners or relatives from their families.

Meanwhile, Nawbahar, the only FM radio station in Balkh district, was forced to broadcast Taliban's Tarani (chants) and anti-government messages instead of music when the militants entered the district last month, according to local journalists, wrote Niazman and Noorzai.

"It is against the freedom of expression," lamented Abdul Aziz Danishjo, a journalist in Mazar-e Sharif, who said the Taliban had forced Nawbahar editor and other staff to go to the radio station and start broadcasting "what the Taliban want."

Nai, a local media watchdog, has reported that nearly 20 radio stations have ceased broadcasting in Afghanistan's northern provinces due to the Taliban's restrictions and ongoing fighting.

Some local journalists view the Taliban crackdown as a major blow to journalism in Afghanistan, a country ranked by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) at 122nd out of 180 nations for violations against journalists.

The RSF charged that violence against journalists and media outlets has increased "significantly" despite peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government, reported VOA.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Many Afghanistan citizens have been disappointed by the new stringent restrictions imposed on the local population in several of the districts that the Taliban have lately conquered, despite ongoing talks with the Afghan government and the US army withdrawal.

Many Afghanistan citizens have been disappointed by the new stringent restrictions imposed on the local population in several of the districts that the Taliban have lately conquered, despite ongoing talks with the Afghan government and the US army withdrawal. Residents of Balkh were taken aback when they received leaflets from the Taliban ordering them to follow severe regulations identical to those enforced on Afghans when the Taliban ruled the nation from 1996 to 2001. Gul Rahim Niazman and Roshan Noorzai, writing in Voice of America (VOA) said that new severe restrictions were imposed on the local population in some of the districts that they have been recently captured by the Taliban. Watch | Gravitas: What did the U.S. achieve in Afghanistan? Nothing A district in northern Balkh province that is located 20 kilometres north of the provincial capital, Mazar-e Sharif, confirmed to VOA that the Taliban have distributed leaflets to follow a strict interpretation of Sharia law. Also read | Taliban controls two-thirds of Afghan-Tajik border: Russia "They want to impose the restrictions that were imposed on women under their rule," said Nahida, a 34-year-old resident of Balkh district, adding that the restrictions targeting women include "not leaving our houses without a male companion and wearing hijab." According to VOA, the Taliban forced Afghans to adopt a rigid application of Sharia law before being ousted by the US in 2001, forcing women to cover themselves from head to foot and barring them from leaving their homes without a male companion. Nahida, who requested to be identified by her pseudonym due to safety concerns, said the group's new restrictions will be difficult for women to follow "since many of them are the breadwinners of their families and they have to work outside." According to the Afghan government, about 30 per cent of the civil servants are now women who were not allowed to work outside their homes during the Taliban's rule, reported VOA. Last year, following its peace agreement with the United States, the Taliban leadership initially appeared to recognize this new reality and hinted at an openness to changing policies. In interviews with news agencies and in published essays, the group's leaders hinted at an openness to changing policies. But in this year's spring offensive, the Taliban's actions have indicated otherwise, writes Niazman and Noorzai. Since May, when the United States and NATO began withdrawing their remaining troops, the Taliban captured about 100 of Afghanistan's more than 400 districts from government-allied forces. Afghan officials have since vowed to retake the lost districts. Another resident of Balkh, who requested anonymity due to fears of retaliation by the militants, said "salons were ordered not to shave or trim beards" when the Taliban controlled the district last month. In several districts of Takhar, Badakhshan, and Kunduz province that came under the Taliban control recently, local reports claim the Taliban issued similar restrictions on women and forced men to grow beards, reported VOA. Heather Barr, a Human Rights Watch (HRW) senior researcher for women's rights in Asia, said that reports about the Taliban recent crackdown on women and media were "not very surprising" since her organization's investigation has found that "the Taliban's policies are not that different from what they were in 2001." It is "very concerning indeed for human rights," Barr told VOA, adding that "some of these abusive attitudes are actually intensifying as they are feeling triumphant in gaining control of more and more territory." This skepticism was also shared by Sher Jan Ahmadzai, the director of Center for Afghanistan Studies at the University of Nebraska. "There is no evidence to substantiate their claims that they have changed their tactics of dealing with the local populace in the areas of their control," said Ahmadzai. He added that local reports from the areas under the Taliban show the militants have forced residents to feed them and forced the women not to venture out of their houses without their partners or relatives from their families. Meanwhile, Nawbahar, the only FM radio station in Balkh district, was forced to broadcast Taliban's Tarani (chants) and anti-government messages instead of music when the militants entered the district last month, according to local journalists, wrote Niazman and Noorzai. "It is against the freedom of expression," lamented Abdul Aziz Danishjo, a journalist in Mazar-e Sharif, who said the Taliban had forced Nawbahar editor and other staff to go to the radio station and start broadcasting "what the Taliban want." Nai, a local media watchdog, has reported that nearly 20 radio stations have ceased broadcasting in Afghanistan's northern provinces due to the Taliban's restrictions and ongoing fighting. Some local journalists view the Taliban crackdown as a major blow to journalism in Afghanistan, a country ranked by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) at 122nd out of 180 nations for violations against journalists. The RSF charged that violence against journalists and media outlets has increased "significantly" despite peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government, reported VOA. (With inputs from ANI)

Return to dark days: Taliban impose strict restrictions on women, media in Afghanistan’s north

New&nbsp;York&nbsp;Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a major easing of coronavirus restrictions Monday, including the imminent resumption of 24-hour&nbsp;operations&nbsp;on the city&nbsp;subway.

The announcement highlights how far the Big Apple, once the epicentre of the United States's outbreak, has come in getting the virus under control.

From May 19, percentage limits on occupancy will be scrapped for many business and cultural venues in the city,&nbsp;including shops, restaurants, cinemas and museums, Cuomo said.

These limits currently vary between 33 and 75 per cent capacity.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="EU set to let vaccinated US tourists visit this summer">EU set to let vaccinated US tourists visit this summer</a>

Businesses will be allowed to welcome as many people as they want provided six feet of social distancing is maintained, as recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"It's fully open, subject to six feet," Cuomo told reporters. The six-feet rule does not apply if all customers provide proof of vaccination or a negative test.

"All the arrows are pointing in the right direction," he added, pointing to declining Covid-19 positivity rates and hospitalizations, which are at their lowest since November, and rising vaccination levels.

Outdoor gathering limits will double from 250 to 500 people, while 250 people will be able to get together indoors, up from 100.

Larger gatherings will be allowed if everyone in attendance is either vaccinated or recently tested negative.&nbsp;

The announcement paves the way for&nbsp;New&nbsp;York's famous theaters to plan their return.

"We look forward to reopening at full capacity and are working to safely welcome audiences and employees back to Broadway theatres this fall," said the Broadway League trade association.

Large-scale indoor event venues will be able to operate at 30 percent capacity, up from 10 percent currently, while outdoor sports stadia will operate at 33 percent.

Cuomo said underground trains services in the Big Apple will resume around the clock on May 17.

In May 2020, when&nbsp;New&nbsp;York&nbsp;was being ravaged by the disease, services were halted overnight to allow for trains to be disinfected. Services currently stop running between 2:00 am and 4:00 am.

Monday's announcement, made in coordination with the neighboring states of&nbsp;New&nbsp;Jersey and Connecticut, came as 80,000 city government workers returned to offices, according to Mayor Bill de Blasio.

De Blasio has said he hopes&nbsp;New&nbsp;York&nbsp;City can "fully reopen" by July 1.

Many private employers have yet to set a return date though, and the business districts in Midtown and Wall Street remain deserted with many staff still working from home.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a major easing of coronavirus restrictions Monday, including the imminent resumption of 24-hour operations on the city subway.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a major easing of coronavirus restrictions Monday, including the imminent resumption of 24-hour operations on the city subway. The announcement highlights how far the Big Apple, once the epicentre of the United States's outbreak, has come in getting the virus under control. From May 19, percentage limits on occupancy will be scrapped for many business and cultural venues in the city, including shops, restaurants, cinemas and museums, Cuomo said. These limits currently vary between 33 and 75 per cent capacity. Also read: EU set to let vaccinated US tourists visit this summer Businesses will be allowed to welcome as many people as they want provided six feet of social distancing is maintained, as recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "It's fully open, subject to six feet," Cuomo told reporters. The six-feet rule does not apply if all customers provide proof of vaccination or a negative test. "All the arrows are pointing in the right direction," he added, pointing to declining Covid-19 positivity rates and hospitalizations, which are at their lowest since November, and rising vaccination levels. Outdoor gathering limits will double from 250 to 500 people, while 250 people will be able to get together indoors, up from 100. Larger gatherings will be allowed if everyone in attendance is either vaccinated or recently tested negative. The announcement paves the way for New York's famous theaters to plan their return. "We look forward to reopening at full capacity and are working to safely welcome audiences and employees back to Broadway theatres this fall," said the Broadway League trade association. Large-scale indoor event venues will be able to operate at 30 percent capacity, up from 10 percent currently, while outdoor sports stadia will operate at 33 percent. Cuomo said underground trains services in the Big Apple will resume around the clock on May 17. In May 2020, when New York was being ravaged by the disease, services were halted overnight to allow for trains to be disinfected. Services currently stop running between 2:00 am and 4:00 am. Monday's announcement, made in coordination with the neighboring states of New Jersey and Connecticut, came as 80,000 city government workers returned to offices, according to Mayor Bill de Blasio. De Blasio has said he hopes New York City can "fully reopen" by July 1. Many private employers have yet to set a return date though, and the business districts in Midtown and Wall Street remain deserted with many staff still working from home.

New York to lift many COVID-19 restrictions on transit, eateries, museums, theatres

France have rolled out new measures to combat coronavirus amid reports of a flareup of COVID-19 across Europe.

Video: Europe announces new COVID-19 restrictions

Nothing could keep New York resident Susan Warren away from her favorite hair salon, Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa on Manhattan's Upper East Side, when it reopened on Monday (June 22).

With 1,200 people on the waiting list, $1,000 haircut salon reopens in New York

Geneva's 129-year-old famous Jet d'Eau fountain burst back to life on Thursday (June 11), marking the end of the third phase of softening the city's coronavirus lockdown measures.

'A kind of release': Geneva's Jet d'Eau fountain bursts back to life

Sun-bathers stretched out on blankets while others floated on the clear blue waters of Malagueta Beach in the southern city of Malaga on the Costa del Sol on Monday (June 8) as the city entered phase 3 of the de-escalation plan.

Malaga's beaches and bars come back to life as restrictions eased further

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