The Polish government has lifted trading restrictions in shopping centres effective from May 4 and, therefore, 89% of JSE-listed EPP’s retail gross leasable area (GLA) will be allowed to trade.

Restaurants continue to operate on delivery and take-away basis only and fitness and entertainment facilities remain closed.

However, Polish authorities have announced that hotels and outside dining at restaurants and bars will be allowed to open from May 8 and 15, respectively.

As of May 29, fitness and entertainment facilities, along with in-house dining at restaurants, will also be allowed to operate.

Restrictions were eased as a result of the significant improvement in the medical situation in Poland.

Hospital occupancy rates have been steadily decreasing and new Covid-19 daily case numbers have been progressively declining since the country’s peak on April 1.

In addition, the vaccination programme is expected to build resistance to the virus within the Polish population, EPP states.

As at April 29, the country had administered about 11.5-million vaccine doses.

From May 9, registration for the vaccination programme will be made available to all adult inhabitants and the country’s authorities intend to vaccinate every willing citizen with at least one dose within the next three to four months, EPP notes.

It is anticipated that, should the vaccination roll-out programme progress as planned in Poland, it will create herd immunity and allow Poles to return to pre-pandemic life by the end of the European summer, the company adds.

“The company is pleased with the decision by the Polish authorities enabling shopping centres to trade more freely and allow customers to enjoy their most favoured form of shopping.

“More importantly, the government decision is a major step towards relaunching Polish retail, sport, tourism and culture and a general boost for the economy,” EPP says.