Representatives of the fitness industry demonstrated in front of the Sejm in Warsaw yesterday to protest against new coronavirus restrictions requiring fitness centers, swimming pools, and gyms to close indefinitely. Despite the ban on gatherings, fitness workers staged protests in several cities across the country demanding changes to the new regulations, accusing the government of depriving them of jobs and livelihood. Demonstrators stressed that over 100,000 jobs are at risk, and companies from the fitness industry constitute a sector of the economy bringing in billions of złoty annually.
As one protestor from Gdańsk explained, “There are no outbreaks in gyms. There are no sick people here, and everyone is aware of how physical activity affects our health, both physical and mental.”
Epidemiologists point out that the threat is not in the fitness clubs or swimming pools themselves but in large gatherings of people. Experts continue to stress the need to “adhere to self distancing rules, avoid crowds, and keep faces covered to limit the spread of the virus.”
Source: Radio Gdańsk, Radio Poland
New daily record for coronavirus diagnoses
The number of coronavirus cases across Poland continues to rise, with health officials confirming a new daily record of 9,622 cases and 84 new deaths as of Saturday evening.
The highest number of new cases (1,485) was recorded in the central region of Mazowieckie and the city of Warsaw, followed by Małopolskie and Kraków in the south.
Here in Pomerania, 563 new cases were confirmed yesterday, along with 6 additional deaths. The most hard-hit areas are in the city of Gdańsk (109) and the powiat of Kartuzy (86) followed by the city of Gdynia (41).
Source: Radio Gdańsk, Radio Poland
Foreign Ministers revive Weimar Triangle discussions
Top diplomats from Poland, France, and Germany discussed the ongoing crisis in Belarus as well as transatlantic ties during the so-called “Weimar Triangle” meeting in Paris last Thursday.
The meeting, the first such gathering since 2016, came after diplomats from Poland and France agreed to renew ties earlier this year. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki previously called the Weimar Triangle “a very good format” as the three countries represent 42 percent of the European Union’s population (after the departure of the UK).
Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau told reporters after Thursday’s talks that Poland, France, and Germany shared “very similar” views on the future of the EU and a range of key issues, including the need to strengthen European industries and develop new technology.
Source: Radio Poland
Polish yacht leading race around Sicily
A yacht christened ‘I love Poland’ took off from Malta yesterday in an 8-day, 600 km race around the island of Sicily for the 41st edition of the Rolex Middle Sea Race.
The yacht, owned by the Polish National Foundation and skippered by Grzegorz Baranowski, is one of the 50 vessels taking part in the race this year. As of yesterday afternoon, ‘I Love Poland’ was leading the monohull fleet on the water, passing Capo Passero just after (1600 CEST).
Live daily updates will be posted at 9:00 each morning on the official Facebook page of the race, with live tracking available on the race website at http://www.rolexmiddlesearace.com
Source: Radio Poland, sail-world.com
Expat exhibition opens in Oliwa
A unique outdoor exhibition is currently on display in Oliwa Park, courtesy of the Oliwski Ratusz Kultury and the City of Gdańsk. The “Expats of Gdańsk” exhibition features portraits of some 30 expats who have chosen to make Gdańsk their home, representing every continent except Antarctica.
Organizers emphasize that Gdańsk has been the home of various nations for over 1 000 years and the city continues to actively cultivate and promote a tradition of openness. Through the exhibit, organizers and photographer Adam Dereszkiewicz hope to highlight the diversity of people who choose to settle and live in Trójmiasto.
The outdoor exhibit in Park Oliwski is open to the public from now until the 25th of November.
Weather
Today will again be cloudy and cold, with a strong breeze coming in from the west and a chance of rain showers midday. Temperatures will peak at 9°C, or 48°F, and drop to a chilly overnight low of 4°C or 39°F. Skies should begin clearing later today, with some sunshine and slightly warmer weather expected tomorrow.
Elizabeth Peck/pb
