On May 4, the second stage of lifting the restrictions associated with the coronavirus pandemic is expected. Does this affect the situation of airsofters? At the moment - it does not.

Let us remind you that since April 20, with the introduction of the first stage of removing the restrictions, forests and parks were opened for individual recreation, if it is necessary to remain in good mental condition. Still, staying in the forest area one has to, among other things, maintain social distance, which officially excludes the possibility of organizing airsoft events.

The second stage, which commences on May 4, officially restores the possibility of using sports stadiums, school and multifunctional fields, outdoor infrastructure for motor sports and aviation, golf courses, as well as equestrian centers and open facilities, such as shooting ranges, archery ranges, go-kart tracks, roller-skating and roller-skating tracks. When using this infrastructure, however, there may be no more than 6 people on the premises.

It is easy to notice, however, that (despite the non-contact nature of airsoft) the new guidelines do not mention conducting activities in forests and other places that are most often used during airsoft games. Everything seems to indicate that the airsoft may only be allowed during the third stage of removing the coronavirus restrictions. According to info taken from the gov.pl website, those will include, among other things, possibility to organize sport events up to 50 people (in an open space, without audience participation). Although there are different opinions regarding the concept of a "sports event", airsoft outdoor games of up to 50 people seem to meet the other criteria: according to the act, they are sport and take place without the participation of the public.

Before making any decision related to the organization games, make sure that they do not violate current rules. The situation is unique and even with the help of government parties, it is impossible to state unequivocally what is allowed, what is not, and what is simply inappropriate out of concern for the well being of others. For example, information about sport events described above appeared in an article from April 16 in the "third stage", while in the article from April 25 it was already assigned to the "fourth stage".

We remind and recommend that when leaving the house follow the safety guidelines:

- maintaining a 2-meter distance in public space from others;

- mandatory covering of the nose and mouth in public places;

- maintaining work and remote education wherever possible;

- strict compliance with sanitary rules in places where people are gathered (disinfection and maintaining a proper distance);

- quarantine and isolation for infected or potentially infected persons.