India, which has been easing restrictions to reinvigorate its economy, has recorded a new record for daily increases in coronavirus cases, and Spain has reimposed lockdowns on more than 200,000 people in areas where outbreaks have been detected.

Meanwhile, pubs in England have reopened after being closed for three months, prompting fears of excessive partying.

This story will be updated throughout Sunday.

England’s pubs, restaurants and hairdressers reopen

English citizens have taken their biggest steps yet towards resuming normal life.

For the first time in more than three months, people can now have drink in a pub, have a meal in a restaurant or get a haircut.

Pubs were allowed to start serving from 6:00am on Saturday (local time), sparking worries of over-indulgence on what the media dubbed a “Super Saturday”.

Police chiefs were worried the reopening of pubs could fuel drunken and irresponsible behaviour, and hospitals were warned to prepare for a New Year’s Eve-style weekend.

But some restrictions remain in place. The number of customers at pubs is limited, no-one can stand at the bar and there will be no live music.

Britain has been the European country worst hit by the coronavirus, with more than 300,000 infections and an official death toll of 44,198.

The rule changes apply only to England as the devolved nations in the United Kingdom — Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — have been setting their own timetables for easing lockdown restrictions.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he would set out how businesses which remained in lockdown, such as indoor gyms, swimming pools and nail salons, would be allowed to reopen.

In Scotland and Wales, pubs are not due to reopen until mid-July.

India records largest increase in cases

India has suffered its highest daily rise in infections so far, recording more than 22,000 new cases and 442 deaths.

The western state of Maharashtra, home to the densely packed financial capital Mumbai, has the country’s highest total, recording 6,364 fresh cases of the virus on Saturday and 198 deaths.

India has the fourth-most confirmed cases in the world, exceeding 640,000, according to health ministry data, behind the United States, Brazil and Russia.

Officials in Mumbai have warned residents to stay away from the coast, as heavy rains are predicted for the next 48 hours.

The monsoons typically cause waterlogging in many parts of the city and could scuttle coronavirus containment efforts by causing a further rise in infection numbers, experts say.

In the southern state of Tamil Nadu, the second worst hit state in India, the number of cases crossed 100,000.

In March India imposed one of the world’s strictest lockdowns, but that has been eased over recent weeks to restart economic activity.

Epidemiologists warn India’s peak may still be weeks or months away, suggesting the country’s already severely overburdened healthcare system will come under further stress.

Mexico steps up border checks over July 4 holiday

Mexico is installing health checkpoints along its northern border, with both Mexican and US officials fearing a surge of crossings during the United States’ July 4 holiday weekend could help spread coronavirus.

Mexican consulates across the US last week issued warnings about the increased checks, and urged people to refrain from crossing the border for recreation or tourism.

The two nations’ governments imposed a ban on non-essential border travel in March in an attempt to limit the spread of coronavirus.

However cross-border traffic has remained busy.

Mexico’s northern border region is home to a large population of US citizens, green card holders and dual nationals who are typically free to cross back and forth.

Catalonia reintroduces lockdown for 200,000 people

More than 200,000 people in the Spainish region of Catalonia are under a new lockdown after the discovery of several outbreaks of coronavirus.

Unlike Spain’s original strict lockdown in March, residents will not be confined to their homes.

Travelling for work will be permitted, but from Tuesday workers entering or leaving the area will have to present a certificate from their employer.

Spain has registered 205,545 coronavirus cases and 28,385 deaths, making it one of the worst-affected countries in Europe.

After imposing a strict lockdown on March 14, the Government has been gradually easing restrictions in a multi-phase plan since early May.