Poland's hospitals are nearing capacity as the country struggles against the third wave of COVID-19 while neighboring countries are able to gradually ease back restrictions.

Poland has done the opposite and extended restrictions until April 18 due to fears that Easter mixing will cause cases to increase in the coming weeks.

Kindergartens, cinemas, shopping malls and theaters throughout the country will also remain closed for at least another week. 

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The country's health minister warned that hospital beds and ventilators are nearing 80 percent capacity, and described the situation as "dangerous."

Inside some regional hospitals, the situation is extreme with nearly all beds being used to treat COVID-19 patients.

"It is a difficult situation because there is a large number of patients," said nurse Bozena Gicala. "The pandemic has become big, it is difficult, but as I am convinced that we can do this, I have the support of my colleagues."

Hope in Czechia

While the Polish government will keep the country restricted until the pressure on the health system lifts, some central European countries seem to have passed the peak of the third wave of the virus.

Czechia's COVID-19 data has been improving: Thursday brought 2021's lowest weekday increase in case numbers. In the capital Prague, the rate of new infections has improved by 10 percent from the week before.

The improvements have led to the government announcing an easing of restrictions. Next week, some businesses will be allowed to reopen, and younger children can return to school on April 12. The country's state of emergency is set to expire the day before and is likely to change curfews and limits on movement.

Czechia is also hopeful of a boost in COVID-19 vaccinations after the government sacrificed tens of thousands of doses in a dispute with the EU. Hungary has pledged to give its neighbor 40,000 jabs in the first half of May, while Austria and Slovenia promised another 40,000.

Slovakia has also reported an improvement in COVID-19 cases – from next week, only two of the current 10 districts will be marked black on the country's virus warning system.

If the situation remains positive and the national parameters do not worsen, the entire country may have restrictions eased from April 19. This would allow non-essential shops and district borders to reopen and for school students to return for final grades.

Video editing: Andras Nagy