Poland’s schools are preparing for a return to full-time, in-person learning this week as the government says the new school year will begin normally. President Andrzej Duda made the announcement on Monday following high-level government meetings to discuss the issue. Speaking to press, Mr Duda said there were no plans for any remote or hybrid teaching.

He added that schools would be bolstered with supplies of personal protective equipment like facemasks and gloves, as well as disinfectant and thermometers.

The president went on to say that students would not be expected to wear masks while in lessons, though they would be worn during break times and other mixed-class events.

The news comes ahead of the start of the new school year tomorrow.

The last US troops have now left Afghanistan, ending a 20-year expedition to the country.

The last US flight departed Kabul overnight, concluding the massive evacuation effort of the last two weeks. Other coalition forces, including Polish troops, had already headed home.

According to the US Army, the last soldier out was Major General Chris Donahue of the 82nd Airborne Division.

Travellers arriving from the United States could now once again face quarantine and testing requirements after the European Union removed the country from its list of covid-safe destinations.

The EU Council announced on Monday that the US would be removed from the so-called 'white list’ of countries with low Covid-19 infection rates.

It comes amid rising case numbers and deaths in the US, as well as a slow down in the country’s vaccination efforts.

Four other countries – Israel, Lebanon, North Macedonia, and Montenegro – as well as the territory of Kosovo, are also being removed from the white list.

The EU recommendation is now expected to be implemented across the bloc’s 27 member states, though it is not binding. It’s not known yet whether vaccinated travellers will be exempt from restrictions.

In Gdansk, events are taking place to mark the 41st anniversary of the Gdansk Agreements.

Signed on this day in 1980, the Gdansk Agreements followed weeks of strikes by shipyard workers in the city. The Agreement paved the way for the formation of the Solidarity trade union and was a key milestone on the road to liberty in Poland.

Events kicked off this morning, with Mayor Alexandra Dulkiewicz joined by 1980s Solidarity leader Lech Wałęsa for the opening of the shipyard gates.

Later today, a procession will make its way through the city centre, finishing at Solidarity Square with a Rally for Europe. The procession is set to get started at the King John III Sobieski monument at 6 pm, with the rally outside the European Solidarity Centre at 7 pm.

Tomorrow marks another important anniversary in Gdansk – 82 years since the outbreak of the Second World War.

Events are set to take place around the city, starting on the Westerplatte peninsula tomorrow morning, commemorating the site of the first shots of the war.

Later on, a special outdoor mass will be held outside the Polish Post Office – the site of one of the war’s first battles.

Weather

Remaining overcast with a good chance of showers and blustery winds throughout the day with temperatures reaching about 18°C, 64°F.

A mild night on the way with a cloudy but dry start tomorrow. A chance for some sunshine later in the week.

Thomas Holdstock/pb