As of today, international flights have resumed to most European Union countries as Poland loosens its coronavirus lockdown measures. Connections have also been allowed to resume to countries in the European Economic Area, including Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein, but flights to the UK, Sweden, and Portugal are still banned.

National carrier LOT Airlines is expected to announce a decision this week on when it will resume connections, according to public broadcaster Radio Poland. Airlines including Emirates, KLM, Air France, and Lufthansa have said they will be returning to Polish airports, but it is not yet known when scheduled long-haul flights, such as those to the US, will be allowed to resume.

As of yesterday, 30,195 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Poland, with infection rates still increasing, particularly in the region of Silesia. Of those diagnosed with coronavirus, over 15,000 have recovered and 1,272 (roughly 4% of all confirmed cases), have died from the disease.

Source: Radio Poland

Poles abroad register to vote in record numbers

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, around 330,000 Poles living abroad have registered to vote by absentee ballot in the upcoming presidential election.

Deputy Foreign Minister Piotr Wawrzyk told a news conference on Monday that more than 100,000 Poles in the UK have registered to vote, along with 50,000 in Germany, more than 25,000 in the United States, and around 20,000 in Ireland. The number of those wanting to vote abroad was significantly higher than in Poland’s previous presidential election five years ago.

Part of the increase may be due to necessity, as Polish voters in 21 countries–including the US and the UK–have no other option than to vote by mail. Unfortunately, Poles living in Peru, Chile, Kuwait, Venezuela, and Afghanistan as well as those working in North Korea will be unable to vote in the election due to ongoing political instability.

Eleven candidates are running in Poland’s presidential election, which is scheduled for Sunday, June 28. The election had previously been scheduled for May 10 but failed to go forward due to the ongoing coronavirus epidemic.

Source: Radio Poland, PAP

Last chance to apply for ZUS exemptions

For small businesses and entrepreneurs, it’s the last chance to apply for an exemption from ZUS contributions under the Anti-Crisis Shield (Tarcza Antykryzysowa) legislation.

June 30 is the last day to submit an application to ZUS for an exemption from contributions for March, April, and May of this year. Individuals and groups eligible for a full exemption include businesses and social cooperatives with less than 10 people, clergy, and people conducting non-agricultural activities. Applicants must submit billing information for the period from March to May 2020 along with their application, which can be submitted to ZUS electronically or on paper.

Over 116,000 residents of Pomerania have already benefited from the exemptions to the tune of PLN 494 million in the Pomeranian Voivodeship alone.

Source: Radio Gdańsk

Live like a king in a Pomeranian palace

To kick off the summer holidays, Radio Gdańsk is offering one lucky family the chance to win a free weeklong stay at Kłanino Palace in Puck County. The palace boasts beautifully preserved interiors from the turn of the 17th and 18th century surrounded by a picturesque park filled with rare trees and natural monuments.

To enter the contest, simply answer the following question: “What is your recipe for a successful family vacation?”

Contestants must submit their answer via SMS to Radio Gdańsk at number ‘72601’ by Sunday, June 21. The prize will be awarded to the listener who sends the most interesting answer as chosen by a three-person jury composed of representatives from Radio Gdańsk.

The winner will be announced next Monday, June 22. The grand prize includes a voucher for 4 people for a week’s stay at the Kłanino Palace, valid until the end of August.

For specific information on the contest rules, visit https://bit.ly/king-contest

Source: Radio Gdańsk

Weather

It will be mostly sunny and warm throughout the day with a slight breeze coming from the northeast. Temperatures will peak around a high of 19°C, or 67°F, dropping to a low of 13°C or 56°F overnight. The warm weather will continue through tomorrow with the addition of some rain over the weekend.

RGEN/pb