We've all been waiting for this moment". COVID restrictions loosened further

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Health Minister Adam Niedzielski informed about further changes in coronavirus restrictions. The plan new rules are meant to be in place by the end of summer holidays.

"We've all been waiting for this moment. Now, it's within reach" - said the prime minister. He warned, however, that there still could be some outbreaks "here and there". He also cautioned that people should remain vigilant.

The plan will be implemented in two stages: starting June 13, and then June 26.

From June 13, churches can be filled up to 50% of capacity, while sale and consumption of food and beverages in cinemas, theatres and concerts will be allowed again.

From June 26, limits for concerts and sports events will be raised from to 50% of seats, while hotels (not counting children up to 12 years), churches, cinemas and theatres, fairgrounds and restaurants can be filled up to 75% capacity.

Moreover, there will be a limit of 1 person per 10 square metres in gyms, fitness clubs, casinos, commercial facilities, post offices, libraries, fairs, conferences, exhibitions and play rooms.

Up to 150 people will be allowed in discos, whereas public transport will be available to maximum capacity.

People who have been vaccinated are not counted in the capacity limits.

Furthermore, a special zone for football fans will be opened at the National Stadium in Warsaw for EURO 2020 games.

Minister Niedzielski confirmed at the conference that loosening of restrictions should not cause the epidemiological situation to worsen, but he warned that there was a risk of new variants appearing.

Poland reopened shopping centres on May 4, hotels from May 8 and restaurants were allowed to serve food outdoors from May 15, while all students returned to school on May 31.

Cinemas, theatres, concert halls and cultural institutions opened on May 21, while indoor dining, indoor sports facilities and swimming pools reopened on May 28.

Large indoor events with up to 50 people were allowed from May 28, a number that tripled on June 6 as the country eases restrictions further.