– We are struck by the fact that we have crossed another psychological barrier when it comes to the number of infections – Health Minister Adam Niedzielski said. – In view of this situation, we must take decisive action.
– The pandemic is still developing, and there is no sign that it is slowing down in any way – he added. He noted that the main reason for this state of affairs is the British coronavirus variant, which already accounts for 52%.
The regions still most affected by the epidemic are Warmia and Mazury, Mazovia, Pomerania and Lubusz. But the situation is worsening across the entire country. A. Niedzielski:
We have decided to introduce the same restrictions across the entire country.
Cinemas, theatres, galleries and swimming pools will close. Remote learning returns for grades 1–3.
Update
Ministry of Health:
Safety rules in all voivodeships
We make decisions on restrictions together with our public health, virology and epidemiology experts. To slow the spread of COVID-19, we must limit social mobility, which is crucial in the fight against coronavirus.
From 20 March to 9 April, the following restrictions will apply throughout Poland. The following businesses must suspend their operations:
- hotels (exceptions include workers’ hotels and accommodation provided as part of business travel – the detailed list of exceptions, together with the required confirmation of business travel, will be included in the regulation);
- shopping centres – with exceptions including grocery stores, pharmacies and drugstores, newsagents, bookshops, pet shops and DIY stores. Hairdressing, optical, banking and laundry services, among others, may continue operating in shopping centres;
- theatres, museums and art galleries (rehearsals and exercises, as well as online events, may nevertheless be organised);
- cinemas (the ban on film screenings also applies to cultural centres and community centres);
- swimming pools (exceptions include swimming pools at medical facilities and those for members of the national team);
- saunas, tanning salons, Turkish baths, slimming salons and casinos;
- ski slopes;
- fitness clubs and gyms;
- sports facilities (they may operate exclusively for professional sport and without spectators).
Important! For safety reasons, all students in Poland – including those in grades 1–3 – will study remotely. Nationwide, we also recommend working online wherever possible.
THERE IS NO BAN ON TRAVEL.