Global round-up: South American countries ease lockdown despite rise in coronavirus cases

South American countries have begun easing Covid-19 restrictions even as the region hurtles towards its viral peak. Some of Brazil’s hardest hit cities, including Rio de Janeiro and Manaus, are starting to allow more activity, while Bolivia and Venezuela are also unwinding restrictions. The moves comes despite a warning from World Health Organisation that South America has become an “intense zone of transmission for this virus”.