Lockdowns are easy. Unlocking isn’t.

Here's the latest news: As Italy reopens, some workers ask, "What about us?" Philippines suspends international air travel How one of Brazil's largest favelas confronts coronavirus Lockdowns are easy. Unlocking Isn't. Easing restrictions is complicated, possibly even more so than the earlier "when and what" decisions of putting a nation into lockdown. South Africa, lauded by the World Health Organization for its early, swift and decisive action in keeping people home well before any rapid rise in Covid-19 cases, is one of the countries now preparing for a lockdown easing. But messaging on what will and won't be allowed—and why—has been confusing and unclear. When President Cyril Ramaphosa said last month that he would ease some of the strictest measures from May 1, he told the nation they would be able be allowed to leave their homes to enjoy a walk, run or cycle. He also told them they would again be allowed to buy cigarettes. A closed liquor store in Berea, Johannesburg. Photographer: MARCO LONGARI/AFP Then, just over a day before moving from level five lockdown to level four, the orders changed. Exercise will only be permitted between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. within five kilometers of home. The decision to allow sales of cigarettes was reversed. None of these were given much, if any, explanation. South Africa's prohibition on liquor and cigarette sales, introduced with the start of its so-called hard lockdown on March 27, has been one of the strictest in the world. Many citizens have been home brewing as their liquor supplies depleted, which may have had its own health implications. Smokers have been carefully counting their stock, dragging out a single cigarette over a couple sessions. When the ban on cigarette sales appeared close to lifting, some who had managed to buy on the black market offered a box or two to friends without. Now those longed-for habits, some healthier than others, appear out of reach again. Anger and disappointment can erode the solidarity many people felt during initial efforts to stay home. While there is no road map for making national decisions during this uncharted time, it's all the more necessary to ensure the public messaging is very, very clear.—Janice Kew What to watch Bloomberg's Emily Chang in a special 30-minute episode asks top tech executives, including Facebook's Sheryl Sandberg, Zoom CEO Eric Yuan and Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, how they are responding to the pandemic. Also: Map the outbreak around the world, and see how each U.S. state is faring as restrictions ease.   What you should read Roche Test Gets Emergency Approval Test determines if a patient has developed antibodies. Mexico Shelves Clean-Energy Plans Critics say measure protects state-run producer. Putin's Economic Catch-22 The pandemic is showing the downside of a system that restricts flexibility. Will Chinese Baseball Appeal to Gamblers? Gaming firms are searching for ways to prop up revenue. The Big Bet Against the Return of Inflation Even a calamity of disease, death and economic destruction isn't enough to suppress worries that inflation could return with a vengeance. Know someone else who would like this newsletter?  Have them sign up here. Have any questions, concerns, or news tips on Covid-19 news? Get in touch or help us cover the story. Like this newsletter? Subscribe for unlimited access to trusted, data-based journalism in 120 countries around the world and gain expert analysis from exclusive daily newsletters, The Bloomberg Open and The Bloomberg Close. Follow Us Get the newsletter You received this message because you are subscribed to Bloomberg's Coronavirus Daily newsletter. Unsubscribe | Bloomberg.com | Contact Us Bloomberg L.P. 731 Lexington, New York, NY, 10022