Poland is to return to nationwide Coronavirus restrictions as case numbers spike once again. Health Minister Adam Niedzielski announced the return to an economic shutdown on Wednesday afternoon as the country posted 25,052 new cases – the highest total so far this year.
From Saturday, Shopping centres, hotels, and cultural establishments like theatres and cinemas will close until at least April 9th. Schools will also return to online learning for all year groups, including years 1-3.

The restrictions mean Easter celebrations – one of the most important traditions in the Christian religious calendar – will not take place as they usually do for a second year.

Poland had been using regionalised restrictions targeting provinces with spiking case numbers. But speaking at a press conference yesterday, the Health Minister said this approach was no longer possible and nationwide measures would be needed.

The rapid spread of the virus has been attributed to a concerning new variant of the virus, first detected in the UK last year, which is thought to be both more contagious and possibly more deadly than the original SARS-CoV-2 virus.

There is some good news, however, as 4.6 million doses of vaccines have now been administered in Poland, with 67-69 year-olds now able to sign up for the jab.

Gdansk Zoo has announced plans for a new pavilion for African birds.

A tender was put out this week for the planning of the pavilion along with works on the Rynarzewski Stream which flows through the zoo.

The new pavilion, which would not be finished for at least two or three years yet, would be home to the zoo’s flamingos, pelicans, and other African birds and would include both indoor and outdoor spaces.

The Weather

Mostly cloudy throughout this afternoon with highs today of 3C (38F).

Staying dry for now but some snow is on the way overnight, possibly accumulating. A mixed picture tomorrow with some sunny spells around midday but a chance of more wintery showers later in the afternoon.

TH