The Albanian government will allow the opening of a two more groups of businesses in the following two weeks, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced on Tuesday.
The time allowed to each person to go out will also be extended, and intercity taxis will be able to operate.
Rama said that starting from May 4, restrictions will be further eased by extending more the time allowed to go out, allowing the use of cars and the opening of more businesses.
Schools and universities will remain closed until a decision is made next week.
All businesses will be required to implement social distancing and hygiene measures, according to government-approved protocol.
Rama had announced earlier that the government plan to ease the lockdown in three phases, the last of which included the opening of less essential businesses like bars and restaurants.
The Prime Minister also announced that the final payments for the first coronavirus economic relief package will be made next week. He said 52,000 people have already been paid minimum wages, and that by Friday the last 8,000 applications will be checked. Rama added that that those who were refused economic support in the first phase, will be assisted by the second relief package.
