The Polish government has revealed plans to gradually phase out coronavirus restrictions over the coming month.

Under the plans outlined by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a press conference yesterday, by the end of May, schools will return to on-site lessons, and retail, gastronomy, hotels, and gyms will all be reopened.

The step-by-step measures will begin on the 1st May, with outdoor sports reopening as well as some organised indoor sports and swimming.

– On May 4th, cultural sites including art galleries & museums, and retail including DIY stores & shopping malls can open. Younger children in years 1-3 will return to full in-school learning.

– Hotels are set to reopen from May 8th.

– From May 15th, open-air cinemas and theatres will be allowed as well as outdoor events. School years 4-8 will return to on-site learning and sports events will be permitted to have crowds of up to 25% capacity.

– The final changes are set for May 29th, when indoor gastronomy is expected to reopen, along with indoor events and indoor fitness including gyms and swimming pools. All primary and secondary school year groups will return to on-site learning.

Announcing the changes, the Prime Minister stressed that the situation was still „very, very dangerous” but said their was cause for „cautious optimism”, adding that it appeared „the worst is behind us” in terms of infections.

Up to date info on restrictions: https://www.gov.pl/web/coronavirus/temporary-limitations

The European Parliament has formally ratified a post-brexit trade agreement with the UK.

The Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) passed with an overwhelming majority of 660 votes to 5, with 32 abstaining.

The agreement, which has already been provisionally in force since January, sets out the new relationship between the UK and the EU, and includes tariff- and quota-free trade between the two.

The agreement was welcomed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who described it on Twitter as „the foundation of a strong and close partnership”. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson also welcomed the TCA,  saying he looked forward to a new relationship with the EU.

However, the agreement has drawn some criticism, with checks and paperwork causing disruption at border crossings, and the awkward inclusion of Northern Ireland in the EU’s customs area being blamed for riots in the country earlier this month.

In Gdansk, the city’s first drive-thru vaccination centre is set to open today.

According to gdansk.pl, as many as 200 people per day could be vaccinated at the drive-in point, located just off the Tricity beltway close to Matarnia retail park.

From today, vaccine registration is open to all those born in 1980-1981.

One of the world’s most prestigious airlines is set to arrive at Gdansk Airport this summer.

Starting in July, UK flag carrier airline British Airways is set to start services between Gdansk and their hub at London Heathrow – Europe’s busiest airport pre-pandemic.

The new flights will offer an alternative to budget airlines Ryanair and WizzAir which currently fly to London’s smaller airports at Stansted, Gatwick, and Luton.

Mostly cloudy today with a strong chance of some heavy rain later in the afternoon and into this evening.

Temperatures today reaching 12C, 53F, but cooling down as that rain arrives.

Tomorrow looking cooler with more rain on the way, but a chance for some sunshine early in the May long-weekend.

Radio Gdansk News/Thomas Holdstock