The government announced yesterday that it would introduce sweeping new restrictions to help slow down the spread of Coronavirus. The new restrictions were announced in a press conference by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Health Minister Łukasz Szumowski.
Firstly, as of today, children are now not allowed to leave their home without the supervision of a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult. This rule applies to anyone under the age of 18.
Pedestrians are now required to keep at least 2 metres apart from each other, including family members and loved ones. The only exceptions are those caring for children or a dependent person. There are also new rules for drivers; all vehicles with 9 or more seats may only be half full. For example, under the new rules, a mini bus with 20 seats can only carry 10 people. Similar restrictions already apply to public transport.
For businesses, all beauty salons, cosmetics and tattoo shops are to be closed. Shops selling essentials remain open but can only serve 3 customers for each till space. For example, a supermarket with 5 tills can serve only 15 customers at a time. The same rule applies to market stalls. Post offices will only serve 2 customers for each service window. DIY and construction stores are also affected; they will now be closed on weekends and the hours of 10am to 12noon will be reserved for elderly or infirm customers.
From tomorrow, hotels, hostels, B&Bs, and holiday rentals will be closed. They will remain open for healthcare workers and those using them in connection with their duties. They’ll also remain in use when used for quarantine or isolation. Lastly, from today, all people living with a person who is under quarantine will also be subject to quarantine themselves. For example, if your roommate or a family member living with you is required to be quarantined, you must also be quarantined yourself. This rule applies only to people quarantined after 1st April.
Polish parliament approves „Crisis Shield”
In other news, the Polish parliament yesterday approved an unprecedented financial relief plan to shield Poland from some of the economic impact of the pandemic.
The „Crisis Shield” plans to inject PLN 212 billion into the Polish financial system. The bill will now go to President Duda for signing.
Gdansk brings in new rules on signage and ads
From tomorrow, new rules on advertising and signage will take full effect. The Gdansk Landscape Resolution sets out new standards for how signage and advertising should look in Gdansk.
It’s part of an effort to improve the appearance of the city by removing what some see as ugly or excessive advertising.
The Resolution came into force two years ago but has been in a 24 month transition, which ends tomorrow.
In preparation, billboards, banners, and shop signs all over Gdansk have been taken down or replaced to comply with the new rules.
The Manhattan shopping centre in Wrzeszcz is one building to be affected, they removed their well-known billboard yesterday.
The Resolution comes into full effect tomorrow, however it’s understood no compliance checks will take place until after the pandemic.
Weather:
Remaining cloudy throughout the afternoon. Temperatures between 6° and 4°C, that’s 40-43°F.
Largely the same going into tomorrow morning with a moderate breeze from the west.
Radio Gdansk News / TAH
