Anywhere you look, there are empty streets and parking lots as Poland is experiencing the new lockdown period. At least until 17 January of 2021, non-essential stores in large shopping centers will remain closed. Today, a regulation imposing an obligation on store owners to limit retail has come into force. In 3 days’ time, restrictions will mainly affect the ones bidding farewell to 2020.
There is no curfew, but there is a ban on movement on New Year’s Eve according to the 2008 law. The head of the Prime Minister’s office Michał Dworczyk explained today during a radio broadcast.
„…There is a law from 2008 on the prevention of human infections and infectious diseases. In it there is Article 46, which says that it is possible to establish an order for a certain way of movement in the regulation. Therefore, on this basis we issued an appropriate regulation. These provisions are binding.” stated Michał Dworczyk, the head of the chancellery of the Prime Minister.
Police officers will judge every incident on an individual basis.
“During an intervention, the police officers approach the situation individually each time and decide how to solve it. As with any misdemeanor, the punishment can include a verbal warning, a fine, and in special cases, the police officers can refer the request to the court for punishment.” said Senior Sgt. Mariusz Kurczyk from the Polish Police.
Starting today, there is also a restriction on the operation of shopping malls and ski slopes, as well as a partial closure of hotels, which are to be available only in a few cases. The restrictions will last until January 17, although an extension is not excluded. However, it is possible to fly abroad to a dozen or so countries. A coronavirus test is required for people returning from abroad via organized transport from 28.12.2020 to 17.01.2021. Following the return to Poland, a 10-day quarantine will be obligatory, however people vaccinated against COVID-19 and those who have recovered from the infection will be exempted from it.