The US capital is relaxing lockdown restrictions following a sustained period of decreased coronavirus infections, Washington’s mayor said on Wednesday, announcing that restaurants and other businesses can reopen under social distancing guidelines. All US states have taken some steps to ease the lockdowns aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus, and the capital is joining them this week. Washington, a city of 700,000, is the seat of US government and a major tourist destination. Some 8,400 infections and 445 deaths have been reported in the district, and a citywide stay-at-home order has been in place since April 1.