Police used tear gas in Poland against protesters demanding businesses reopen

Police in Warsaw used tear gas on Saturday against protesters demanding the government act faster to allow businesses to reopen following a coronavirus shutdown.

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Warsaw’s Old Town in the early afternoon, carrying signs saying “Work and bread” and “It will be normal again.”

Poland has been steadily loosening coronavirus restrictions in recent weeks in an effort to cushion the economy. Hair salons and restaurants are expected to reopen with new safety measures in place on Monday.

But the protesters, who have gathered in Warsaw repeatedly in recent weeks, say restrictions need to be lifted further in order for them to sustain their livelihoods.

Police blocked the planned march, saying in a statement published on Twitter that public gatherings are still banned under the government restrictions.

The government has said that some restrictions need to remain in place for some time still, to ensure public safety and prevent the virus spread from accelerating.

Poland has confirmed 18,257 cases of coronavirus and 915 deaths.

Via Reuters

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