Mexico City ? Mexico announced a return to normalcy on Monday, preparing to reopen businesses and schools even as the virus sickened more than 1,400 people in 20 countries.

World health officials said the global epidemic is still in its early stages, and that a pandemic could be declared in the days to come. But Mexico’s president said it was waning at its epicenter, justifying Wednesday’s end to a five-day nationwide shutdown he credits for reducing the spread of the new virus.

Already, streets in the capital seemed more lively, with more vehicles and fewer people wearing face masks. Some cafes even reopened ahead of time. President Felipe Calderon said universities and high schools will reopen on Thursday, and younger schoolchildren should report back to school on May 11.

Mexico canceled its biggest celebration of the Cinco de Mayo holiday today, a re-enactment of the May 5, 1862, victory over French forces in the central state of Puebla. Other holiday events also were canceled.

U.S. officials said Monday that it’s too early to say the swine-flu threat is receding, even though there are some signs the outbreak may not be as serious as originally feared.