Vilnius plans more public space for bars and restaurants

Vilnius has announced plans to give over public space to hard bars and restaurants to allow outdoor seating whilst still observing physical distancing rules.

The Lithuanian capital is allowing cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating, hairdressers and almost all shops to begin reopening this week as part of a staged exit from lockdown.

Eighteen of the city’s public spaces, including its central Cathedral Square, have been opened up for outdoor cafes and restaurants, city hall said, and more are expected to be added as the summer progresses. The move has been welcomed by owners, with more than 160 applying to take up the offer.

But the health ministry has imposed strict physical distancing rules and safety measures. Shops must limit the number of customers at one time, masks will remain mandatory in all public spaces, and cafe and restaurant tables have to be placed at least two metres apart.

To read the full article from the Guardian, please see here.