Warnings multiply against Easter holiday travel, gatherings

BERLIN (AP) — Leaders are warning that hard-won gains in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic must not be jeopardized by relaxing social distancing practices during Easter. A spike in deaths in Britain and New York and surges of reported new infections in Japan and in India’s congested cities make it clear that the battle is far from over. The warnings come even as the U.S. and some of the hardest-hit European countries are considering when to start easing restrictions. The sharp rise in Japan is worrisome since it has the world’s oldest population. India is already under a lockdown but it took a further step to seal hot spots and not allow residents to leave.