WARSAW, Poland — Poland is lifting most of its coronavirus restrictions in public life starting Saturday.
Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki says limits are being lifted on the number of customers in shops, restaurants and hair dressers. Open-air gatherings of up to 150 people will be allowed, under the condition of keeping the distance of at least 2 meters (6 feet) or wearing masks.
Limits are lifted on the number of people attending Mass in churches.
Culture Minister Piotr Glinski says starting June 6 cinemas, theaters, concert halls can open, but only fill 50% of the audience seats while the spectators must wear masks. Wedding parties of up to 150 guests will be allowed after June 6. With large gatherings, hygiene authorities must give their consent.
Health Minister Lukasz Szumowski says relaxing of rules is possible because COVID-19 transmission has been curbed, with 80% of hospital beds for coronavirus patients empty. He says in most of Poland, except the southern industrial region of Silesia, has a transmission rate R number below 1, meaning 1 person infects less than 1 other person.