A zebra is seen at the Warsaw Zoo in Warsaw, Poland on April 16, 2020. The zoo has come under financial pressure since the government has decided to close all entertainment venues, restaurants and other public places to contain the spread of the coronavirus. The zoo has been trying to keep people engaged by streaming content online. The Polish government on Thursday unveiled a multi-stage roadmap for lifting economic and social restrictions put in place to contain the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. (Photo by Jaap Arriens/Xinhua)
WARSAW, April 16 (Xinhua) -- The Polish government on Thursday unveiled a multi-stage roadmap for lifting economic and social restrictions put in place to contain the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
The first stage, starting on Monday, will see slight relaxation for shops with a floor space up to 100 square meters. The shops can let in four customers per cash register rather than three.
Larger retailers are allowed to have one customer for every 15 square meters inside their facilities.
Forests and parks will be opened again for the public, and minors above the age of 13 are no longer required to be accompanied by an adult.
No dates have been announced for subsequent stages, a move Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said is due to the unpredictability of how the pandemic develops.
"It could be one week between the stages; it could be two," he said during a press conference on Thursday evening.
The second stage will allow the reopening of hotels and other guest services. Some museums, libraries and art galleries will be allowed to reopen as well.
Restaurants will be allowed to receive a limited number of diners again during the third phase, while hairdressers and cosmetic shops will be allowed to function.
Nurseries, pre-schools and the three youngest years of schools can also reopen, with some restrictions.
The final stage will see businesses with close human contact, like massage parlors and solariums, as well as large enclosed spaces like movie theaters and fitness clubs, resume some of their activities.
Morawiecki warned that the plan will only be carried out if the COVID-19 cases show no sudden spikes.
He also said that large events will remain banned, while a recently added requirement to wear face masks in public will stay in place.
Since March 13, Poland has been in an economic and social lockdown. The government also banned entry to the country for foreigners. Enditem
