The end of warnings—the beginning of penalties: this is how Health Minister Adam Niedzielski’s announcement regarding the increase in coronavirus infections can be briefly described. The minister said that he has already reached an agreement with the police on this matter.

According to the minister, the increase in coronavirus infections recorded in recent days means that the situation is becoming very serious and that this is the time when increasingly drastic measures will have to be taken.

Let us recall that the fine for not wearing a mask may range from PLN 20 to PLN 500. Covering the mouth and nose is mandatory, among other places, in shops and on public transport.

On Saturday, October 23, the Ministry of Health reported 6,274 new and confirmed coronavirus infections. Seventy-five people died.

Covering the mouth and nose in enclosed spaces is mandatory throughout the country

The nose and mouth may be covered only with a mask. Scarves, face shields and visors are not allowed because they do not fulfill their basic function, namely protecting against the virus!

The mouth and nose must be covered, among other places:

  • in shared areas of a property (e.g. in a stairwell),
  • on buses, trams and trains,
  • in shops, shopping malls, banks, at markets and post offices,
  • at the workplace if more than one person is in the room (unless the employer decides otherwise),
  • at the workplace while directly serving a customer or member of the public,
  • in cinemas and theaters,
  • at a doctor’s office, clinic, hospital, massage salon and tattoo parlor,
  • in churches and schools, and at universities
  • in public offices and other public buildings (in courts, cultural institutions, banks, post offices, etc.)

Where is it not necessary to cover the mouth and nose?

Outdoors, in forests, parks, green areas, botanical gardens, historic gardens, on roads and squares, in cemeteries, on promenades and boulevards, in vehicle stopping areas and forest parking lots, in allotment gardens and on beaches, as well as while traveling in a private car, motorcycle, quadricycle or moped, and at the workplace for the purpose of eating a meal.

Only people with a medical certificate or a document confirming the following are exempt from the obligation to cover their mouth and nose:

  • pervasive developmental disorders,
  • mental disorders,
  • moderate, severe or profound intellectual disability,
  • difficulty independently uncovering or covering the mouth or nose.
  • advanced neurological, respiratory or circulatory conditions involving respiratory or circulatory failure.

Detailed information on covering the mouth and nose and on exceptions to this rule can be found in the regulation.