Poland lifting part of COVID restrictions

Poland is partially reopening cinemas, theaters and sporting venues as well as ski slopes from February 12, walking a tightrope between economic recovery and controlling the pandemic, Report informs referring to Politico newspaper.

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said the decision came despite a still worrying coronavirus situation.

Poland has recorded a fall in the seven-day average of new coronavirus cases from over 9,000 in mid-January to just under 5,500 now.

Some experts have long warned that the third wave of the pandemic is still ahead, with some cases of the more contagious B.1.1.7 strain of the virus already detected in Poland.

Poland has so far vaccinated nearly 1.6 million people and plans to reach 3 million by the end of March.

Under the new rules, hotels, cinemas and theaters will reopen at 50 percent capacity and under a strict sanitary regime as of February 12. Outdoor sports will also be allowed from that period.