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UPDATE: Poland to ease COVID rules again as virus ebbs

10.06.2021 17:49
Poland on Thursday announced a further easing of coronavirus restrictions amid falling new infections, with more people to be allowed into churches, trade fairs, conferences, concerts and hotels. 
PM Mateusz Morawiecki announces a loosening of coronavirus restrictions at a virtual press conference on Thursday.
PM Mateusz Morawiecki announces a loosening of coronavirus restrictions at a virtual press conference on Thursday. Photo: PAP/Radek Pietruszka

Earlier in the day, Poland reported 382 new coronavirus infections, down from a high of 35,251 new single-day cases on April 1.

But Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki warned that the pandemic was not over.

"The pandemic across the world unfortunately has not ended yet. We still have dangerous mutations and so I ask everyone to respect sanitary rules in force and get vaccinated" against the coronavirus, he told reporters.

From Sunday, churches in the staunchly Roman Catholic country will be allowed to be half full.

From June 26, sports facilities will be allowed to open at half capacity for sports events and concerts.

On the same date, trade fairs and conferences will be permitted to admit more visitors. Hotels will be able to open at three-quarters capacity.

People who have been vaccinated against the coronavirus will not count toward these limits.

Last month, cinemas, theatres, operas and philharmonics in Poland were allowed to reopen at half capacity, while earlier this week more people were allowed to attend public gatherings and ceremonies such as weddings as the country moved to the next phase of easing its coronavirus lockdown.

With children back in schools and restaurants and sports facilities reopened to the general public, Poland has now lifted many of the curbs it put in place earlier this year to battle the epidemic.

(pk)

Source: PAP/IAR/Polish Radio