A conference of members of the United Right government is under way.

Government:

The fourth stage of lifting COVID-19 restrictions lies ahead. From 30 May, we will not have to cover our nose and mouth in open spaces—but only provided that we can maintain a distance of 2 metres from others. Masks will still be required in some enclosed spaces, including shops, churches, buses and trams. In addition, we are reopening cinemas, theatres, gyms and massage parlours, under strict sanitary regulations. We are also allowing weddings for up to 150 people. Although we are moving away from many restrictions, one rule will remain in force: we will still have to exercise particular caution in contacts with others.

Lifting further COVID-19 restrictions is possible because the number of infections is falling in most provinces. We are also continuously observing the epidemic situation and monitoring the capacity of the healthcare system—especially the number of available beds and ventilators. We are making responsible decisions on this basis.

What are the new safety rules?

IN OPEN SPACES: SOCIAL DISTANCING OR A MASK (from 30 May)

If you can maintain a distance of 2 metres from others in an open space, you do not have to cover your mouth and nose. You can therefore walk, cycle, walk along a street, or visit a park, beach or car park without a mask—but only if you maintain an appropriate social distance.

Attention! If you cannot maintain a 2-metre distance from others outdoors—for example, on a crowded pavement—you must cover your mouth and nose. This is about our collective safety.

Remember: parents with children requiring care (up to the age of 13), people living together, people with disabilities and people covering their mouth and nose are exempt from the obligation to maintain a 2-metre social distance.

Here you must cover your mouth and nose!

There are places where covering your mouth and nose is mandatory. These include:

  • buses and trams,
  • shops,
  • cinemas and theatres,
  • massage and tattoo parlours,
  • churches,
  • offices (if you visit an office to take care of a matter).

Additional places where covering the mouth and nose will be required will be specified by the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate.

Exceptions: where is it not necessary to cover your mouth and nose?

  • at work—if the employer ensures appropriate distances between workstations and meets sanitary requirements.
  • in a restaurant or bar—when you take a seat at a table.

PERSON LIMITS LIFTED—in SHOPS, AT MARKETS, AT POST OFFICES AND IN RESTAURANTS (from 30 May)

We are lifting limits on the number of people in the retail and catering sectors. Until now, shops, restaurants, markets, service outlets and post offices had to provide a specified area or number of service windows per person. From 30 May, this rule will no longer apply.

Attention! Catering establishments must still maintain an appropriate distance between tables. Customers must also put on masks before sitting at a table. All sanitary guidelines—including the disinfection of hands and tables—remain in force.

Important! Remember that covering the nose and mouth remains mandatory in shops, at markets and at post offices. In shops, hand disinfection or the wearing of gloves is also mandatory.

Religious ceremonies and funerals

The lifting of restrictions will also cover churches and other places of religious worship. The limit on the number of people will also cease to apply there from Saturday, 30 May. The same applies to funeral ceremonies—the previous limit of 50 people will no longer apply.

Important! In churches and places of worship, the faithful must cover their mouth and nose.

GATHERINGS AND WEDDINGS FOR UP TO 150 PEOPLE

Outdoor gatherings for up to 150 people (from 30 May)

From Saturday, 30 May, gatherings of up to 150 people may be held in open spaces. However, participants must cover their mouth and nose or maintain a 2-metre social distance.

Important! Sanepid will issue recommendations on places where gatherings should not take place due to the epidemic situation. The final decision, however, belongs to the relevant local government unit.

Weddings and other family celebrations (from 6 June)

We are also allowing weddings and family celebrations attended by up to 150 people.

Attention! Wedding guests do not have to wear masks.

HOTELS FULLY OPEN

From 30 May, hotel restaurants and bars may open and serve meals to guests in their dining areas. From 6 June, swimming pools, gyms and fitness clubs may also begin operating in hotels.

Hotel owners must nevertheless comply with specified sanitary rules.

CULTURE, SPORT, MASSAGE PARLOURS AND FAIRS (from 6 June)

From 6 June, the following may resume activity under specified sanitary conditions:

  • cinemas, theatres, opera houses and ballet venues,
  • swimming pools, gyms, fitness clubs, playrooms and amusement parks,
  • saunas, tanning salons, massage and tattoo parlours.
  • Trade fairs, exhibitions and congresses may also be organised.
[…] We will provide sanitary recommendations for individual sectors after completing the consultation process with entrepreneurs.

Important! Reopening the economy does not relieve us of responsibility! Remember to maintain safe distances—take care of yourself and others.