Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, together with Health Minister Adam Niedzielski, on Thursday announced more restrictions to curb the surging number of infections as hospitals lack enough beds and ventilators to treat COVID-19 patients. "Poland today is in the most difficult moment of the pandemic in 13 months" - the prime minister said.
Poland reported a record 34,151 new daily coronavirus cases on Thursday, health ministry data showed, the highest since the start of the pandemic, as the country grapples with a worsening third wave.
"The third wave is pushing very strongly, over 70% of hospital beds are taken. We're getting closer to reaching health care maximum efficacy and we will do our best to avoid this scenario" - Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said at a press conference on Thursday. "Poland today is in the most difficult moment of the pandemic in 13 months".
He added that in the coming five weeks over 7 million doses of vaccine would be delivered to Poland.
"I know how hard it is right now, Easter is coming, but please, let's spend these holidays only with our closest relatives" - Morawiecki said.
Health Minister Adam Niedzielski, also present at the conference, said the third wave would surpass the numbers Poland had seen in the fall of 2020. "At the moment, 27,000 patients are being hospitalised. Supply of hospital beds is now a crucial issue" - he said.
Minister Niedzielski added that the southern region of Silesia would require special arrangements as regards to hospital beds. "It's possible that some patients will have to be transported to other regions".
He announced that starting Saturday, March, 27, new nationwide restrictions would be in place for two weeks.
Furniture and construction stores larger than 2,000 m2 will be closed. Wholesalers and construction warehouses will be open, but retail sale will be banned.
In shopping malls, post offices, markets, etc., 1 person per 15 m2 will be allowed, and 1 person per 20 m2 - in places smaller than 100 m2.
Up to 1 person per 20 m2 and at least 15-metre distance between people in churches and other places of religious worship.
Hairdressers and beauty parlours will be closed.
Nurseries and kindergartens will be closed. Care for children of medical and other service members will be provided.
Sport facilities will be open only to professional athletes.
If possible, it is advised to work from home, and to spend the Easter only with the closest relatives.
Źródło: TVN24 News in English, PAP, Reuters
Źródło zdjęcia głównego: TVN24