Poland: Authorities increase restrictive measures following record rise in COVID-19 cases October 15 /update 17

Event

The Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced on Thursday, October 15, that additional coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictive measures will be implemented following another record daily rise in infections. Under new restrictions, "yellow zones", including weddings and other parties will be limited to 20 people. From Saturday, October 17, restaurants will close at 21:00 (local time), sporting events will take place without spectators, and pools and gyms will be shuttered.

Polish authorities announced that the wearing of face masks in public places has been made mandatory as of Saturday, October 10, in an effort to further curb the spread of COVID-19.

As of October 15, Poland has recorded 149,903 confirmed coronavirus cases since the beginning of the pandemic, and 3,308 associated deaths. Further international spread of the disease is expected in the near term.  

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.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the 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.