On Wednesday (24 February), at around 3 p.m., a press conference began with the participation of Minister Adam Niedzielski, head of the health ministry in the United Right government. As announced earlier, the subject of the meeting was restrictions related to the third wave of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Poland. The restrictions currently in force will be extended until 14 March, excluding Warmia and Masuria.

Rules in force throughout Poland

As we reported earlier, from 27 February, only MASKS may be used. Visors, scarves or bandanas/neck gaiters may not be used. Surgical masks and masks with filters are recommended. Other masks may also be used, but whenever possible the ministry recommends using surgical masks and those with filters. It is very important that masks are put on properly and cover the mouth and nose.

Rules in force after arriving from Czechia and Slovakia

From 27 February, people arriving in Poland from Czechia and Slovakia will be subject to quarantine, with the exception of people vaccinated with two doses or those who have a negative test result.

Restrictions in Warmia and Masuria

“The third wave is accelerating in Poland,” said Minister Niedzielski. “We are monitoring very carefully what is happening in the hospital system. We are looking very closely at the epidemiological situation. We are seeing a systematic increase in the share of the British variant among the samples.”

But he immediately added that the situation varies by region. (In Lower Silesia, the situation is much better than, for example, in Mazovia).

“We need to take a step back – 1/16 of a step,” he stressed. He was referring to the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship. Restrictions are returning there: children in grades I–III will again study remotely. Hotels, shopping centres, museums and cinemas will be closed.