Coronavirus pandemic: Updates from around the world - CNN

Geng also called on the international community to "band together to cooperate, instead of pointing fingers at each other or even demanding compensation," referring to reports that Republican lawmakers in the US had introduced legislation last week allowing Americans to sue the government of China over misinformation about the virus.In addition, Geng said Australia's call for an "independent review" of how the virus began in China was “disrespectful.” He urged Australia to do more to improve bilateral ties, especially bilateral cooperation on fighting the pandemic, instead of "echoing a certain country and following its footsteps to hype up the issue."From CNN’s Hilary McGann in LondonCovid-19 survivors in England are being asked to donate blood plasma for a potential trial that, if approved, may help those currently ill with the virus. As of Monday, Germany's largest state had recorded 37,849 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 1,286 fatalities, according to the Robert Koch institute, Germany's center for disease control.From CNN's Manveena SuriA handful of Indian states and union territories have begun to ease lockdown restrictions in line with guidelines issued by the country's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA):In a televised address on April 14, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended the nationwide lockdown till May 3, but announced a conditional relaxing of restrictions in parts of the country with low or zero levels of coronavirus cases.Which states are easing restrictions? Kerala: The southern state, which has been praised for its success in tackling the outbreak, has now drawn criticism from the MHA after announcing a substantial easing of restrictions in "green zones."This includes restaurants opening with social distancing rules in place, private vehicular movement under the "odd-even" scheme, which enables cars with even and odd number plates to drive on alternate days.“This amounts to dilution of guidelines issued by MHA and a violation of MHA Order dated 15th April 2020,” read a tweet by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Home Affairs.“The Government of Kerala is urged to revise guidelines in line with MHA guidelines, without any dilution and ensure strict compliance,” continued the tweet.Madhya Pradesh: Agricultural activity and manufacturing will resume in districts that have no cases, as well as in districts that have a low number of hotspots and have managed to contain cases.Essential public works programs will also be allowed, but with strict rules on social distancing. Punjab: Lockdown restrictions in the north Indian state will remain until May 3, in line with the nationwide extension.Telangana: The southern state has decided to extend lockdown measures until May 7.From CNN's Eric Cheung in Hong KongHong Kong reported no new confirmed cases of novel coronavirus on Monday for the first time in more than six weeks, according to a statement by the city's Centre for Health Protection.As of Monday, the total number of reported coronavirus cases in Hong Kong remained at 1,025, including four deaths.Despite that, the CHP is encouraging residents to continue to maintain an appropriate social distance and avoid social activities like meal gatherings to reduce their risks of getting infected.Hong Kong last reported no new cases on March 5.From CNN's Nadine Schmidt in BerlinGermany started to ease its lockdown restrictions on Monday, allowing businesses and shops to reopen as the country takes small steps back to normalcy.