From December 15 the limits on the number of people in restaurants, cinemas and theaters will change. Increasing the limit will be possible only for vaccinated people verified by the business operator using a COVID-19 certificate. Nightclubs and discos will be closed. The exception will be New Year's Eve.

What about schools?

From December 20 to January 9 primary and secondary school students will study remotely.

What about COVID tests?

The changes will also cover COVID-19 testing. Anyone arriving in Poland from outside the Schengen Area will have to take a test. People living with someone infected with coronavirus will also be subject to this requirement.

What are the new safety rules?

Gov.pl:

The most important changes – new limits on the number of people, closed discos and remote learning

New limits on the number of people

From December 15, limits on the number of people will be tightened:

  • restaurants, bars and hotels – a maximum of 30% occupancy by unvaccinated people (the limit may be increased only for vaccinated people verified by the business operator using a COVID-19 certificate);
  • cinemas, theaters, sports and religious venues – a maximum of 30% occupancy by unvaccinated people (the limit may be increased only for vaccinated people verified using a COVID-19 certificate);
  • in addition, cinemas will enforce a ban on eating and drinking during screenings.

Remote learning

  • From December 20, 2021, to January 9, 2022, all primary and secondary school students will study remotely.
  • Nurseries and preschools will operate without changes.

Closed clubs and discos

  • From December 15 clubs, discos and other venues made available for dancing will be closed until further notice. The exception will be New Year's Eve (December 31–January 1). On that night, events may take place under strict sanitary restrictions – a maximum of 100 people (the limit does not apply to people who have a COVID-19 certificate).

Mandatory coronavirus tests

  • From December 15, anyone arriving in Poland from outside the Schengen Area will have to take a COVID-19 test before the flight. The test should be taken no earlier than 24 hours before crossing the border. Importantly, vaccination does not exempt anyone from the testing requirement.
  • From December 15, mandatory testing will also apply to people living with someone infected with COVID-19. In this situation, vaccination will also not exempt anyone from the testing requirement.