Poland: Government bans entry of foreigners March 15-25 /update 3

Event

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced on Friday, March 13, that all foreign nationals will be barred from entering Poland for ten days from Sunday, March 15, to limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). All Polish citizens and residents will be allowed to return to the country but will be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine. All international inbound flights and trains will be suspended from 00:00 (local time) on Sunday, with the exception of some charter flights transporting returning Poles.

Authorities also announced that all restaurants, bars, and casinos will close - although food delivery can continue. Shopping malls will close from Saturday, March 14, except for drugstores and grocery shops. However, all shops outside of malls can continue operating. Prime Minister Morawiecki also announced a ban on public gatherings of more than 50 people. 

As of March 14, there are 68 confirmed cases of COVID-19 nationwide, and two associated fatalities. Further international spread of the virus is expected over the coming days and weeks. 

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

Potentially impacted travelers are advised to monitor the situation, confirm travel itineraries, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.

To reduce the general risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue - throw tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.