Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, announcing the reduction of restrictions, points to the need to follow the rules, which he called the three „I” principles:
- Isolation: covering both mouth and nose, safe distance, social discipline in relations with other people;
- Identification: use of apps enabling identification of infected people;
- Information Technology: make the most of possibility to work remotely.
Fundamentals of new normality:
- 2 meters distance in public space,
- covering nose and mouth (until vaccine developed)
- sanitary rigor in places where people gather,
- quarantine and isolation,
- remote work and education,
- protection on elderly and sick people.
Reducing restrictions from April 20. The first stage
Every week – two next stages of reducing restrictions. The Prime Minister announced four stages of reducing restrictions but their introduction depends on existing epidemiological situation and the number of infected people.
Starting April 20:
- Entering forests and parks is allowed, but the use of playgrounds is prohibited.
- In forest covering nose and mouth is not mandatory.
- New rules in trade and services: in stores up to 100 sq m. - 4 people for a cash desk; in stores over 100 sq m - 1 person on an area of 15 sq m; employees of stores have to undergo a health check.
- Hours 10.00-12.00 in stores only for people aged 65 and more – from Monday to Friday, without weekends.
- In churches 1 person per 15 sq m.
- Ban on going out for people under 13 unaccompanied by an adult.
- Mass events is forbidden until further notice.
- The use of city bikes is prohibited until further notice
4 stages of reducing restrictions
The Prime Minister announced four stages of reducing restrictions but their introduction depends on the situation. Decision to introduce next stage will be made after analysing the increase in the incidence, efficiency of health care and implementation of sanitary guidelines.
The second stage
Business activity:
- Opening of building supplies shops during the weekend
- Opening of hotels and similar accommodation with limitations
Social life
- Opening of some of cultural institutions: libraries, museums and art galleries
The third stage
Business activity:
- Opening of hair and beauty salons
- Opening of stores in shopping malls with significant limitations
- Gastronomy - enabling stationary activities with limitations
Social life:
- Sport events up to 50 people (in open space, without audience participation)
- Organization of childcare in nurseries, kindergartens and school classes 1-3 – with given max. number of children in the room.
The fourth stage
Business activity:
- Opening of massage parlours and solariums
- Possible activity of fitness clubs and gyms
Social life:
- Theatres and cinemas with new sanitary regime
