Boris Johnson, the British Prime Minister put himself into isolation yesterday after he tested positive for the coronavirus alongside the secretary of state for health, Matt Hancock.

Johnson posted a short video later in the day reassuring the nation that he was experiencing mild symptoms and would continue to work from his private office in 10 Downing Street in London. The health secretary also confirmed that he would continue to work. As the corona virus continues to spread across the globe Italy passed China as the country with the 2nd most recorded infections after the United States. (50s)

Polish financial institutions have begun to raise the limit on contactless payments from PLN 50 to PLN 100 (EUR 22, USD 24) this week.

The change will reduce customers’ chances of getting coronavirus on their hands because they will not have to physically enter a PIN number at a payment terminal according to officials. The head of the Polish Bank Association , said that after the switch, 83 percent of payment transactions will be carried out via contactless technology.

North Macedonia has become a member of NATO this week in a move warmly welcomed in Poland.

Poland’s Permanent Delegation to NATO tweeted a welcome message, saying: “Congratulations to North Macedonia on becoming the 30th member of the North Atlantic Alliance!” Poland’s foreign ministry also congratulated the country. Poland’s President Andrzej Duda last month voiced support for North Macedonia’s efforts to join NATO and the European Union after talks in Warsaw with the North Macedonian president. (2’10”)

And finally, this week one of Gdańsk’s most well-known photojournalists, Maciej Kosycarz, has died.

He was 55 years old and had been battling cancer for several years. Maciej Kosycarz was the son of Zbigniew, who became a photojournalist shortly after the war. Together they created a rich photographic reportage of Gdańsk in the 20th and 21st century and became legends of Tri-City photography. A regular guest on Radio Gdańsk, he was also an active social and urban activist who fought for the city, its appearance and quality of life. He was elected the Gdańsker of the Year 2009 as well as receiving many other civic awards.

Weather

Today is going to be sunny with a gentle breeze. Temperatures will reach a pleasant 13 degrees centigrade (55 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day, dropping to 3 degrees centigrade overnight. Sunday will be in complete contrast with gusty winds, cloud and sleet and rain during the day. Temperatures will only reach 5 degrees centigrade during the day, dropping to -2 degrees centigrade overnight.

Martin Caren/ako