France is to become the latest European country to return to a full-scale national lockdown this week as COVID-19 cases in the country continue to soar. President Emmanuel Macron announced the lockdown in an address yesterday evening. He said the lockdown would take effect from Friday and would last at least until December 1st.
The French president remarked that the country was being „overwhelmed” by the second wave of the virus.
Under the new rules, people in France will only be permitted to leave home for essential work, buying essential goods, or for urgent matters such as medical issues. One hour of daily exercise will be allowed for each person and people will need to carry a written declaration of their reason for being outside.
In recent weeks, France has seen infection rates soar and hospitals have come under growing strain. In the Paris region, 70% of critical care beds are reportedly taken up by COVID-19 patients.
Germany is also introducing new measures this week to counter the second wave of coronavirus.
Chancellor Angela Merkel announced yesterday that the country would close bars & restaurants and shut down tourism in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus.
In Poland, 18,820 new cases were reported on Wednesday, once again breaking the daily record.
Protests against a controversial court ruling on abortion are entering a second week today.
Demonstrations have shown no signs of easing, with thousands turning out in major cities and smaller protests taking place in towns across the nation.
Many demonstrators yesterday took part in a „women’s strike”. Students at Gdańsk’s universities joined the strike, with students at the University of Technology walking out. Prof. Krzysztof Wildehe, the rector of the university, has said the absences will be excused, noting the importance of expressing views in academia.
Later in the evening, an estimated 5,000 people attended a disco protest in the Wrzeszcz district, blocking Grunwaldzka Avenue for several hours, though protestors made way for ambulances and trams.
The Office for Foreigners has this week issued an update for British citizens living in Poland ahead of the end of the Brexit transition period.
The update explains the process of obtaining a new residency card to replace the existing European Union-based system. The new cards, which will resemble an ID card, will be freely available to any UK citizen registered living in Poland before the end of this year.
The UK, which left the EU early this year, is currently in a transition period until December 31st. After that, the new residence card can be applied for from the January 1st and will serve as proof of residence in Poland and as a travel document within the EU.
Any current documents will remain valid after January 1st, but only until the end of 2021.
Gdansk Railway Station is turning 120 years old this week.
Gdansk Główny, or 'Main Station’, first opened its doors to passengers in 1900, built in the unique Gdansk Dutch Renaissance style. It has served as the city’s largest transport hub ever since, surviving both world wars and the communist-era reconstruction of the city.
Today the station is undergoing a major refit and renovation which will restore some of the station’s lost original features including stained glass windows and the patterned tile roof. The station will also be modernised with new passenger information systems and a modern interior layout.
Works on the historic station are set to be completed by the end of next year.
Weather
Clouding over as we go into the afternoon with temperatures reaching 11°C, 51°F.
Much the same story heading into tomorrow, with a slight chance of some showers overnight.
So far the forecast for Halloween and All Saints’ Day looking dry and cool with some sunshine.
Thomas Holdstock/pb
