As the number of new cases in China continues to drop, the World Health Organization is warning that Europe has become the new epicenter of the global coronavirus pandemic. According to WHO, as of Friday Europe had reported more confirmed cases and deaths than the rest of the world combined, excluding China. In response, many European countries, including Poland, began closing their borders to nonresidents over the weekend.

Poland’s border was officially closed yesterday after midnight, with all international rail and flight connections similarly suspended. Currently, only Polish citizens or foreigners with residency permits are allowed entry into Poland with all new arrivals required to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine period at home.

Neighboring countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Lithuania, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, have similarly closed their borders to nonresidents. As of this morning, Germany had not reinstated controls along the Polish border, though it has imposed controls along its borders with France, Austria, Switzerland, Luxemburg, and Denmark.

Source: PAP, WHO

New cases of coronavirus reported but none in Pomerania

After a spike in cases on Saturday, the number of new cases of coronavirus in Poland dropped slightly yesterday, with no additional deaths reported and no new cases appearing in Pomerania.

As of 9:00 Monday morning, the Ministry of Health has confirmed 25 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of active cases to 137. This number includes three elderly patients who passed away last week, but does not include the 13 patients who have officially recovered from the virus. Their successful recording was reported by the head of SANEPID and Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in a joint press conference on Saturday.

Most of the new infections are originating in previously known clusters around major cities including Warsaw, Łódź, Lublin, and Wrocław. Two cases were confirmed in Pruszcz Gdańsk on Saturday; the two women tested positive after returning from a bus trip through Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. While several thousand people remain under observation by SANEPID in Pomerania, no new cases have been confirmed as of Monday morning.

Officials continue to encourage all residents to actively undertake preventative measures, including observing good hygiene in the form of frequent and thorough handwashing, practicing social distancing when in public areas like aptekas and shops, and remaining at home or #zostanwdomu if at all possible.

Source: PAP, MZ, Radio Gdańsk

Poland introduces new restrictions on restaurants and shops

In addition to closing its borders and urging residents to #WashTheirHands, Poland has also initiated a series of restrictive measures designed to slow the spread of infection.

In large shopping centers (Centrum Handlowe) like Riviera, Manhattan or Morena, only essential shops such as groceries, pharmacies, and drugstores will remain open; all other shops will be closed. Local neighborhood shops like Lewiathan or Żabka will remain open as usual.

Restaurants and bars will also be closed but may still offer takeaway and delivery options. Gatherings of more than 50 people are similarly prohibited, and schools, universities and cultural centers will remain closed until the 25th of March, with the possibility of further extending the restrictions.

Source: PAP, Radio Gdańsk

US firm set to start human trials for COVID-19 vaccine

A US biotech firm in Texas is reportedly set to start expedited human trials of a potential coronavirus vaccine as early as today.

According to the Associated Press, an official announcement has yet to be made, but the company in question–Moderna–was at a meeting with President Trump and other pharmaceutical executives earlier this month, in which Trump urged them to expedite the timeline for developing a new vaccine.

Public health officials have been quick to point out that it will likely take “anywhere from a year to 18 months” to confirm that the vaccine actually works. In a press conference yesterday, Dr. Fauci of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases stressed that “public health measures” like self-isolating were the key to containing the virus–not vaccines.

Source: AP, The Hill

Weather

Today will be partly cloudy with only a slight chance of rain during the day and strong winds coming in from the west. Temperatures will peak around a high of 11°C, or 50°F with temps dropping to 3°C or 37°F overnight. Tomorrow is set to be a bit warmer but still breezy, with semi-cloudy weather set to continue throughout the week.

RG/Elizabeth Peck