The Polish government has introduced further restrictions nationwide in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus as Poland today again recorded its highest ever daily number of new cases.
As he had warned earlier this week, the prime minister, Mateusz Morawiecki, today declared that the whole of Poland will be classified as a “red zone”, with the toughest level of restrictions, from tomorrow.
This means that new measures introduced last week – including various restrictions on gyms and pools, public transport, religious ceremonies and cultural events – will continue to apply. But in addition to these, the prime minister announced today that: Restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars must close their doors, with only takeaway and delivery services allowed
- Children in Years 4 to 8 at primary school will move to remote learning (as is already the case for secondary schools and universities)
- People up to the age of 16 will not be allowed outside between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., apart from under adult supervision
- People aged 70+ should not go out except for: carrying out professional activity, “fulfilling necessary requirements for everyday life”, and participating in or leading religious worship
- Parties, meetings and gatherings will be limited to 5 people not from the same household
- Customer numbers in shopping outlets will be restricted to: 5 people per cash desk in places up to 100 square metres in size; 1 person per 15 square metres in places larger than 100 square metres in size.
The prime minister also announced that, in order to provide support for elderly people in isolation, a “Solidarity Corps” to support seniors was being established. It will involve volunteers, scouts, territorial forces and other organisations.
The minister for family and social policy, Marlena Maląg, also announced at the press conference that a special helpline for seniors was being set up to provide information, advice and, if necessary, a volunteer to visit their home.
“This coming week will determine whether there will be a further exponential escalation of the pandemic or whether the extent of the pandemic’s growth will change,” added health minister Adam Niedzielski. “We must do everything we can to contain the pandemic.”
Source: notesfrompoland.com
Main image credits: Jakub Wlodek / Agencja Gazeta
