The World Health Organisation has said the world should be in preparation for a pandemic amid rising concerns about new outbreaks of Coronavirus in several countries.

Speaking yesterday, the WHO said it was too soon to call the virus a pandemic but added that the world should be in a „phase of preparedness”.

Over the past few days, new outbreaks of the virus have emerged in parts of South Korea, Iran, and Italy. The Polish consulate in Milan has advised Poles in Italy to avoid public spaces wherever possible however travel to the country is still considered safe. The vast majority of cases remains in China.

Markets have reacted to the worry about the virus, markets around the world posted sharp declines. Milan’s stock market fell by 6%. Meanwhile, the price of gold, which is considered safer, reached its highest point in seven years.

Poland has not yet had any confirmed cases of the virus, though officials have warned that it may be a matter of time.

UK and EU prepare for Brexit negotiations

The United Kingdom and the European Union have been setting out their negotiations aims this week, ahead of talks on the future relationship between the two sides starting next week.

Both sides have hardened their positions. In a draft document released yesterday, the EU said it wants alignment on regulations and for the UK to follow the EU’s competition rules about state aid for companies.

EU ministers are meeting in Brussels today to approve the plans.

The UK, will publish its negotiation aims on Thursday, but officials from No.10 Downing Street have said the focus will be on „restoring economic and political independence”, and that it would seek a so-called „Canada style free trade agreement”.

Negotiations are set to begin on Monday.

UK reveals new passport, to be printed in Tczew

In other news, the UK has revealed the design of its new post-Brexit passport. But in an ironic turn, the company producing the passports plans to print them at a factory here in Pomerania.

The new passport returns to the blue colour used before the UK joined the EU and replaces the words 'European Union’ with 'British Passport’. The design also features a bunch of new security features and is the first passport to be carbon neutral.

The return to a blue passport was a symbolically important issue for many in the UK, representing independence from the EU.

The new passports were designed by a French and Dutch company and will be printed at a factory in Tczew, 35km or 22miles south of Gdańsk.

Plans to re-pave Ul. Długa

The Gdansk Roads and Greenery Administration has submitted a proposal for the resurfacing of Ulica Długa.

Długa, or „Long Street” in English, is one of Gdańsk most famous streets and is the heart of the main city. However, the streets surface is old and uneven, creating an uncomfortable environment for some pedestrians.

The proposal would see smooth granite blocks replacing some of the old stone slabs that currently pave the street.

One idea in the proposal is to create an easy walking path with a smooth surface while keeping the street mostly cobbled.

According to the Roads and Greenery Administration, the aim is to improve comfort for pedestrians, especially those who find cobbled streets uncomfortable such as those with back or leg injuries.

The proposal has been submitted to the provincial conservator of monuments for approval.

Dido to perform in Sopot

The British singer Dido has announced a concert at the Forest Opera in Sopot.

The singer, famous for songs including 'Thank You’ and 'White Flag’, will perform in the incredible outdoor amphitheatre on June 25th. Tickets are on from Live Nation starting at 129 PLN.

RG/Thomas Holdstock