Image source, Getty Images

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has warned that despite the gradual lifting of the lockdown, New Zealand was not "out of the woods".

She described the coming weeks under alert level 3 as "a recovery room of sorts".

She urged people to continue to stay at home, and work from home where possible, warning that "no one wants a second wave" of the pandemic.

New Zealand has reported three new positive tests, and no fatalities.

New Zealand's new rules say restaurants can open for "contactless pick-up". This video was taken at Zoom Espresso in Green Bay, Auckland.

Here's what's changing in New Zealand, now the country has shifted one notch down from its highest alert level.

• People still have to stay in what's called their "household bubble", but they can expand that bubble now: to meet close family, caregivers, or support isolated people
• People should work from home where possible but businesses are allowed to open if they can provide contactless service

• Restaurants can now do "contactless" takeaway

• For recreational activities, you are allowed to drive short distances, and people have headed to parks and beaches this morning. You're allowed to do this with people from your household bubble
• Schools can reopen but have to ensure social distancing

• Mass gatherings will remain cancelled, and public venues closed

Image source, Getty

Simon Atkinson
BBC News, Sydney

It seems a lifetime ago. But it’s just a few months since the biggest story in Australia - and for a few days the world - was the bushfires that burned so fiercely here.

It followed a long drought, and the role of climate change was heavily debated. Protests were growing louder, as more Australians demanded their leaders do much more to cut carbon emissions.

I was convinced 2020 was the year climate was going to be top of the news agenda here.

Even the Prime Minster Scott Morrison - who famously wielded a lump of coal in parliament extolling the virtues of the black stuff - was shifting his tone, accepting that climate change was real and had played a part in the fires.

Of course, this year has not panned out quite like anyone expected. Trying to keep people healthy - physically, emotionally and economically - has been the priority here.

But scientists say that rather than losing momentum because of the virus, this is a great opportunity to put innovations around solar, wind and hydroelectric projects front and centre, as Australia looks for ways to revive its economy.

And as one economist told me: with Australia doing very well in handling the pandemic, the government has “the headspace” to make policy reforms that include its energy strategy.

Read more from Simon here.

These charts show how the rate of increase in deaths has slowed in six countries. The red dots mark when national "lockdowns" began - in the United States, restrictions have varied from state to state.

Before US President Donald Trump's inauguration in January 2017, we spoke to three Americans who voted for him and have caught up with them several times since.Now, we've asked them to rate the US president's response to the virus, including his recent comments about disinfectant. Hear what they have to say:

Image source, AFP

The head of the Japan Medical Association has warned it will be "difficult" for the Olympics to go ahead next year, unless there is a virus vaccine.

"I am not saying that Japan should or shouldn't host the Olympics, but that it would be difficult to do so," Yoshitake Yokokura said.

The games have already been postponed from this year to 2021, but experts have cast doubt on whether even the new date is feasible.

Earlier this month, the chief of the Tokyo Games said he couldn't guarantee the games would go ahead next year.

As New Zealand's lockdown eased, one MP shared his joy at a certain restaurant chain reopening...

Image source, AFP

On Tuesday, New Zealand began to gradually emerge from its tight lockdown. The country says it has stopped community transmission of Covid-19, effectively eliminating the virus.

Lowering its alert level from four to three means that some non-essential business, healthcare and schools were able to resume this morning.

Around 400,000 people headed back to work, some schools and childcare facilities are open, and people are allowed to get takeout food again.

New Zealand, partly thanks to its isolation and easily-closed borders, managed to contain the virus early on.

It has reported fewer than 1,500 confirmed or probable cases of coronavirus and 19 deaths have been linked to it.

Now confirmed cases have exceeded 3 million worldwide, here are the countries with the most cases. It's important to remember that high numbers of confirmed cases are partly a reflection of widespread testing.

• US: 988,189
• Spain: 229,422
• Italy: 199,414
• France: 165,963
• Germany: 158,758

Full data from Johns Hopkins University here., external

Tensions between China and Australia continue to escalate, following calls from Canberra last week for an international investigation into Beijing’s response to the virus.

Yesterday, Beijing’s ambassador to Australia said Australia's demands could trigger a boycott from Chinese consumers, students and tourists.

Given China is Australia’s biggest trading partner, the comments have been received here as a threat and have sparked anger.

Trade Minister Simon Birmingham told media this morning: “We won’t be changing our public policy situation on the face of such a serious public health matter in the face of any threats of coercion from any other nation.”

New York state has by far the most cases in the US. Its neighbour New Jersey has the second-most.

Good morning from Sydney, where isolation rules will be relaxed from the end of the week to allow households to have two visitors at a time.

Close to half of Australia’s cases have been recorded in New South Wales, where Sydney is. But with the state now reporting just single-digit daily increases, officials say visits can be made for mental health and social reasons – meaning people will be able to visit family and friends again.

Other states, including Queensland and Western Australia, are also easing restrictions this week, reflecting a general optimism about Australia’s situation.

Sparking delight this morning was the re-opening of Bondi Beach and two neighbouring beaches. Swimmers were there from dawn to dive into the ocean after a five-week ban.

Image source, EP

Image source, Getty Images

This chart shows how confirmed cases of Covid-19 rose sharply from the middle of March. The number of deaths, shown in red, is not as sharp.

Welcome to our rolling coverage of the global pandemic. We'll keep you posted as the US day ends and Asia wakes up, and we'll later focus on Europe.

Here's all you need to know so far.

• There have now been more than 3 million confirmed cases worldwide and 210,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University
• New Zealand has begun easing some of its lockdown measures. With new cases in single figures for several days, the government says the virus is "currently" eliminated
• Japan's coronavirus hotspot Tokyo had only 39 new cases on Monday, the fewest in weeks
• US President Donald Trump says he "can't imagine why" states have seen a spike in people using disinfectant, after he suggested injecting the substance to treat coronavirus
• US states including Georgia, Oklahoma, Alaska and South Carolina are re-opening their economies, despite infections continuing to rise

• The UK is at "the moment of maximum risk", Prime Minister Boris Johnson said - adding that lockdown rules will remain in place for now