What restrictions are in force in Poland from December 1? [LIST]

The restrictions in force in Poland were slightly tightened from December 1. Due to the appearance of a new variant of the coronavirus, new restrictions have been introduced, called the alert package. What changed? What restrictions are still in place? When may the next tightening of restrictions take place?

The new variant of the coronavirus, Omikron, is currently attracting the attention of the whole world. The World Health Organization and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control have announced that this variant may be particularly dangerous as it contains around 50 mutations. The existing variants – for comparison – had several of them. There is also a risk that Omikron will be able to overcome antibodies acquired during COVID-19 disease and the vaccination process.

What restrictions are in force since December 1?

1. Should there be stricter restrictions? Poles divided [SONDA]

From December 1, it is forbidden to fly to Poland from:

1. Botswany
2. Eswatini
3. Lesotho
4. Mozambique
5. Namibia
6. RPA
7. Zimbabwe

People returning from these countries cannot stay released from quarantine for 14 days.

For travelers from non-Schengen countries it has been introduced extending the quarantine to 14 days and exemption from it on the basis of a PCR test performed 8 days after the border was crossed.

New restrictions from December 1. National Restrictions

From December 1, new limits apply:

1. 50 percent occupancy in churches, gastronomy, hotels, cultural facilities (e.g. cinemas, theaters, philharmonics, opera houses, community centers) and sports facilities (swimming pools, water parks). So far, the occupancy limit in these establishments is acceptable was 75 percent.
2. up to 100 people at weddings, meetings, consolations and other types of gatherings, as well as in discos (so far it was 150 people).
3. one person for 15 sq m in gyms, sports centers, museums, art galleries, fairs, exhibitions, conferences, libraries, points of sale (so far it could be 1 person per 10 sq m).
4. in case of concerts and circus performances from December 1, the following rule applies: max. 50% occupied places and no more than 1 person per 15 sq m.

1. The Minister of Health presents new restrictions. a list of changes

In connection with the holidays and the mutation of Omikron, the government is to present further restrictions. As Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki informed, it is to take place on December 7 or 8. – On Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest, we will present the second tightening package, incl. one that will be linked to the holiday situation will be in response to the mutation of the Omikron virus. It is indeed not good, said the Prime Minister. As Morawiecki announced, the mechanisms of compulsory vaccination will be strengthened. – We are also considering strengthening the restrictions on the unvaccinated – he emphasized.

These restrictions still apply

It is worth recalling at this point that some rules are still in force in Poland to limit the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which were introduced in previous epidemic waves. Here they are.

1. Rogalski: This week will be the peak of the wave. How many infections will there be?

Obligation to cover the nose and mouth

Covering the nose and mouth is mandatory in confined spaces throughout the country. This can only be done with a mask – surgical (disposable), FFP2 or FFP3. Covering the nose and mouth with cloth masks, visors, scarves and scarves is not recommended.

The government website lists the places to comply with this obligation:

1. on the premises of shared properties (e.g. in the staircase),
2. on the bus, tram and train,
3. in a shop, shopping mall, bank, market and post office,
4. in the workplace, if there is more than 1 person in the room (unless the employer decides otherwise),
5. in the workplace during direct customer / client service,
6. in the cinema and theater,
7. at the doctor’s, at the clinic, in the hospital, at the massage and tattoo parlor,
8. in the church and school, at the university
9. in offices and other public buildings (in court, cultural institutions, banks, post offices, etc.)

From 1.12, the obligation to cover the mouth and nose will be introduced in schools and universities during breaks between lessons and classes, unless otherwise decided by the head of the entity.

Hairdressing and beauty salons

These types of institutions are open and can operate under strict sanitary regime.

Education

Schools, kindergartens and nurseries remain open.

regularization

Sanatoriums are open and available to patients. However, the condition for the stay is a negative result of the diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 or vaccination against COVID-19. The material must be collected no earlier than four days before the start of the rehabilitation stay.

Read also:

1. What are the symptoms of the new Omikron variant? They are unusual
2. The new superwariant. Is it more dangerous than Delta?
3. How many unvaccinated Poles died from COVID-19? The data is shocking