The new regulations were presented at Tuesday’s conference by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Health Minister Łukasz Szumowski.
– The new regulation introduces a complete ban on leaving home. Exceptions include situations in which we must leave the apartment, such as a visit to a pharmacy, going to work or walking the dog. The ban does not cover helping those closest to us or elderly people. We will not introduce special zones. Additional protective measures, such as masks, are not needed for now. I appeal to the authorities of various cities to ensure that every other seat on each bus remains empty. We are limiting the number of people participating in religious services to five, not counting priests – said Health Minister Łukasz Szumowski.
– We are introducing restrictions on movement – Prime Minister Morawiecki added. The restrictions will also apply to public transport. Gatherings have been limited to two people. The ban on more than two people moving together will not apply to families.
The police will enforce the new regulations. People who gather in various places may face fines of up to PLN 5,000.
– We are introducing various restrictions so that after Easter the epidemiological situation will allow Poles to return to work. We want life to return to the new normal – said Mateusz Morawiecki. According to the prime minister, there is no reason why the matriculation examinations or presidential election should not take place as scheduled.
The restrictions will remain in effect for three weeks, until April 11.
We are introducing restrictions on movement
Until and including April 11, people will not be allowed to move freely except for essential, health-related or work-related purposes. The restriction therefore does not apply to:
- commuting to work. If you are an employee, run your own business or operate a farm, you have the right to travel to work. You also have the right to purchase goods and services related to your professional activities.
- volunteering. If you are working to combat coronavirus and helping people in need who are in quarantine or people who should not leave home, you may travel as part of that activity.
- taking care of essential everyday matters. You may travel to make essential purchases, collect medicines, visit a doctor, care for loved ones or walk the dog.
Important! Travel will be permitted only in groups of up to two people. This restriction does not apply to families.
On buses, the number of passengers may not exceed half the number of seats
Public transport services continue to operate. However, only half of the seats may be occupied on a bus, tram or subway train. If a vehicle has 70 seats, a maximum of 35 people may be on board. We want Poles to have access to public transport. However, we must ensure that buses are not overcrowded.
A complete ban on gatherings – except with immediate family
The new regulations also ban all gatherings, meetings, events and assemblies. However, you may meet with your immediate family.
Safety rules during religious ceremonies
The restrictions on movement also do not apply to people who wish to participate in religious events. However, we have introduced another important rule: no more than five people may participate simultaneously in a Mass or other religious ceremony, excluding those performing religious services. We nevertheless encourage participation in religious events via television, radio or the internet.
Workplaces
The limits on the number of people do not apply to workplaces. However, particularly strict recommendations from the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate regarding maintaining distance between employees and using disinfectants must be followed.
Other restrictions remain in force
Despite the changes being introduced, all previous bans remain in force, including restrictions on the operation of shopping malls, catering establishments and entertainment venues. The mandatory 14-day quarantine for people returning from abroad also remains in effect.
Questions and answers
How long will the additional restrictions remain in effect?
Until Saturday, April 11, 2020.
Why are additional restrictions being introduced?
More and more people in Poland are infected with coronavirus. However, our situation is still better than in other countries in Europe and around the world. We want it to stay that way. The Polish government’s decision to introduce additional restrictions is intended to combat coronavirus in Poland as quickly as possible. We believe that introducing restrictions at an early stage will help us avoid the situation in Italy or Spain.
Will I be able to attend a service in a church under the restrictions introduced?
Only within the limit on the number of people. The restrictions on movement do not apply to people who wish to participate in religious worship. However, we are introducing new rules: no more than five people may be present in a given area or facility, both inside and outside the premises, excluding those performing religious services. We therefore encourage everyone to participate in Masses online or via radio and television.
What about public gatherings?
We are introducing a ban on public gatherings. This ban does not apply to religious gatherings provided that no more than five people participate, excluding those performing religious services.
I am a farmer. Can I carry out my work as usual?
Yes. The restriction on movement does not apply to agricultural activities, non-agricultural business activity or work on a farm, nor to purchases of goods and services related to these activities, such as farmers purchasing artificial fertilisers or an individual entrepreneur purchasing goods for a grocery store.
Will grocery stores and pharmacies remain open?
Yes. We are not closing grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, laundries or drugstores.
What is the legal basis for introducing the new restrictions?
The Act of December 5, 2008, on preventing and combating infections and infectious diseases in humans.
I care for an elderly person. Will I be able to help them under the restrictions introduced?
Yes. It will still be possible to help such a person.
I cannot work remotely. May I travel to my workplace?
Yes. The restrictions on movement do not apply to employees travelling to and from work.
Will public transport operate normally?
Yes. We are not suspending public transport services. However, we are introducing certain restrictions for passenger safety. A public transport vehicle may carry no more people at the same time than half the number of seats. Thus, if a vehicle has 70 seats, a maximum of 35 people may be on board at the same time. (NOTE! This answer does not apply to Bolesławiec, where municipal bus services have been suspended until further notice).
I work under a civil-law contract. May I travel normally to my workplace?
Yes. All employees hired under employment contracts or civil-law contracts may travel to their workplaces without hindrance.
Will restaurants still be allowed to provide takeaway meals?
Yes, they will still be allowed to provide this type of service.
To what extent do the restrictions on movement apply?
Until April 11, movement is prohibited except for:
- travelling to and from work,
- volunteering to combat coronavirus,
- essential everyday matters,
- participating in religious events attended by no more than five people, excluding those performing religious services.
What does “essential everyday matters” mean?
For example, the need to visit a doctor, go shopping or collect medicines.
How many people may be on a bus or tram at one time?
A bus or tram may carry at the same time as many people as half the number of seats. If a vehicle has 70 seats, a maximum of 35 people may be on board.
May I go for a walk in a park or forest, or take my children to a playground?
The regulations concern essential everyday needs. A walk or a trip to the forest may fall into this category, but distance restrictions and the limit on the number of people travelling together must be observed, with a maximum of two people, excluding families. We recommend limiting such outings to the necessary minimum.The restrictions do apply to playgrounds, which are places where different people gather and therefore involve a high risk of infection.
I commute to work. Do I need a certificate from my employer in case of an inspection?
No. In the event of a possible inspection, you should inform the officers of the purpose of your journey—whether you are going to work or returning from it—as well as the place where you perform your professional duties.source: