The inhabitants of Małopolska will not have good memories of the coming days. Winter will make itself felt strongly again. It will be cold, it will snow, and heavy rainfall is also forecast. The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management has issued two warnings for Małopolska, which will be valid at least until Tuesday morning.
Tuesday will bring a significant deterioration in the weather. Clearance can only be expected in Western Pomerania, otherwise cloudy. Moreover, it will rain everywhere except Lubuskie, Wielkopolska and Pomerania. The temperature will range from 5 degrees in Suwałki and Lublin to 9 degrees in Szczecin.
The following days will not bring a radical improvement in the weather. Wednesday and Thursday should pass without rain, but the whole country will be cooler. Friday and Saturday, in turn, will be slightly warmer, but rainy almost everywhere.
Weather in Lesser Poland
We will not see the sun in Małopolska for the next three days. According to forecasts, it is expected to constantly rain, sleet and snow. Everything depends on the temperature, which will oscillate around zero. Roads can be very slippery. Additionally, the aura will be spoiled by fog and mist.
IMGW issued two warnings for Małopolska
IMWM warns about the possibility of frosts and heavy snowfalls in Małopolska. Depending on the region, 10 to 50 cm of snow can fall.
The following poviats were covered by the warnings:
Bochnia
Chrzanowski
Gorlicki
Krakow
Cracow
limanowski
miechowski
Myślenicki
nowosądecki
Nowy Sącz
Nowy Targ
Olkusz
Oświęcim
Proszowicki
suski
Tatra Mountains
Wadowicki
Wielicki
The wording of the warnings is below
Snowfall is forecast, causing the snow cover to increase by 5 cm in the north of the region up to 50 cm in the mountains. In some places, the air temperature is forecast to drop to about -1 ° C, and at the ground to -2 ° C.
Storm hunters who presented a detailed analysis of the phenomenon also inform about the collapse of the weather.
The coronavirus pandemic has had a drastic impact on Krakow’s tourism industry. Will Krakow ever return to the pre-pandemic level of tourism? The city authorities prepared the document “Krakow’s sustainable tourism policy for 2021-2028”, which is to answer this question and what will the tourism policy look like in the coming years.
Pandemic = collapse of tourism
Due to the pandemic, there was a collapse in tourist traffic in Krakow. Foreign tourism has practically died down, and the Krakow airport is recording drastic drops in the number of passengers. Pre-pandemic tourism and the idea for the future are described in over a hundred-page document on tourism policy for 2021-2028. It was prepared by the Tourism Department of the Krakow City Hall. The document is ready and the councilors will take care of it soon. If adopted, it will become the basis of the city’s official tourism policy.
What is the document all about?
“The program was ready before the pandemic, but it had to be verified and adapted to the current situation. We hope that after the pandemic is over, we will start rebuilding tourism in our city, so as to regain its important role in the socio-economic life, not to overgrow the tourist function in the future, while increasing the quality of services and the quality of life of the inhabitants” – emphasized Elżbieta Kantor in the autumn, director of the Faculty of Tourism.
Like many documents of this type, it is full of clerical phrases and specific language. What is striking is the fact that it was only the shock in the form of a pandemic that forced Krakow’s authorities to look at the problems that residents have been reporting for years, such as depopulation of the center, which has been appropriated by tourists, or loud, drunken night-time “tourism“.
Krakow tourist statistics were on the rise (pre-pandemic times)
Krakow has always boasted about growing tourist statistics. In 2019, the city was visited by approximately 14 million people, including over 3 million foreign guests. At that time, tourists left PLN 7.5 billion in the city (compared to PLN 6.48 billion in 2018). Tourism in Krakow was primarily about quantity, not quality. What officials pay attention to in their study.
“The structure and development trends in the tourism market until 2019 and the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic indicate the need to change the approach to the development of tourism from quantitative to qualitative, without throwing inhabitants and space (especially cultural heritage) from a state of relative balance” – reads Krakow’s sustainable tourism for the years 2021-2028 ”.
The situation was analyzed before the pandemic. The authors point out that tourism is an important part of the city’s GDP, but not the dominant one. In 2016, tourism was responsible for 8% of the city’s entire GDP. It is estimated that tourism creates 29,000 jobs in Kraków permanent jobs, and at the peak it generates over 40 thousand. The share of the tourism economy in employment in the entire economy of Kraków exceeds 10%.
Mainly foreign tourists spend the night in Krakow
Mainly foreign tourists use the accommodation base in Krakow. In 2019, as much as 95.5% of them stayed in Krakow for at least one night. In the case of domestic tourists, it was 66.9%.
Rooms and apartments for rent offered as part of the global Booking or Airbnb portals, are very present in Krakow. The problem is that many of these short-term rental places are not officially reported anywhere. Which doesn’t mean they’re not reported. Nevertheless, it is difficult to determine their total number. However, in 2020, in the database of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in the records of facilities providing accommodation services, other than hotels and camping sites, in Krakow there were 1,646 facilities offering 32,181 beds, which is over 50% all accommodations in the city.
Short term rentals were also on the rise (pre-pandemic times)
A survey among residents from 2019 was also cited regarding their attitude to the increase in the number of short-term rental premises. Almost 80% agree with the opinion that short-term tourist rental allows residents to earn, and approx. 65% believes that it broadens the city’s accommodation offer. On the other hand, 50% agree that the development of such a lease is conflicting, and almost 60% state that it causes depopulation of districts and should be subject to interference by city authorities.
The growing role of business/congress tourism
The officials’ study also drew attention to the growing role of business and congress tourism. In 2019, the Krakow meetings industry took 48th place in the world and 29th in Europe. In 2019, 8,400 business meetings were held in Kraków, 78% of which were domestic. The largest share (over 2/3) was constituted by congresses and conferences, which were over 5.6 thousand. Corporate and incentive events were ranked second (over 2.6 thousand).
Krakow’s tourist offer, which enjoyed the greatest popularity until the pandemic, is the so-called city break (short weekend stay), congresses and conferences, religious tourism. The most competitive area of Krakow tourism is gastronomy, and the most attractive is medical tourism.
Types of tourists visiting Krakow
The program includes an interesting analysis of the “type” of tourists coming to Krakow, indicating which tourist is the most desirable. So far, three groups have been the most numerous: the purist of culture and art, the weekend conformist, and the banal hooligan. The last tourist is most often noticed by the resident – loud, often drunk, focused on cheap entertainment, not exploring the city.
Looking for Homo Consumens
From the city’s point of view, the most desirable tourist is the creative homo consumens. As we read in the study: He is not only a passive addressee of the offer created by the city but also acts as an active participant in the market and acts as its reviewer. Until now, however, this type of tourist was poorly present in Krakow.
The study focuses on the so-called night economy, where it was emphasized that the most desirable attractions should be sophisticated and advanced entertainment, which, based on the traditions of the city and its cultural potential, may generate significant income for municipal institutions. However, the dominant element of Krakow’s city nightlife is the so-called simple entertainment.
On this occasion, there is also a statement that “looking at the administrative decisions of the authorities as the only means of fighting the pathologies of nightlife is a naive approach”.
The study highlights the process of gentrification that affects the Old Town most acutely. It was emphasized that this process began there after 1989, but that it was not directly caused by tourism.
Recommendations for Krakow’s tourism policy
The plan for Krakow’s tourism for 2021-2028 contains a total of 9 recommendations for its implementation. Reconstruction of inbound tourism to the city is to take place, among others through:
increase in management efficiency,
integrated marketing communication,
support for the commercialization of the offer of local entrepreneurs,
mitigating conflicts of interest and values.
As we read in the study, “the challenge for Krakow in the process of rebuilding tourism is the management of the place, taking into account the commercialization of the offer, integrated marketing communication, mitigating conflicts between residents and visitors (or between various groups of competing service providers), regulation of access to selected zones considered to be tourism, and tools for acquiring financial resources, organizational structures, as well as skillful involvement of residents in the provision of services for visitors ”.
Restoring the tourism will take several years!
The tourism plan for 2021-2028 explicitly states that the collapse of tourist traffic due to Covid-19 is a huge risk for entrepreneurs in the form of a lack of revenues, costs, and debts. The study states that the process of restoring tourism will take several years.
Among the many recommended activities are:
Initiating and creating innovative package services based on the cultural and sports offer and events, taking into account all attractions and values of Krakow and Małopolska as well as premium products, including in cooperation with the Małopolska Tourist Organization.
Support for the development of public and private investments with a potential for the reception of tourist traffic and the ability to diversify.
Partnership of the local government with the tourism sector in the implementation of promotional activities on emission markets.
Cooperation with global booking portals in the field of knowledge exchange, promotion and respect for the city’s identity as a historical center.
Management of special areas and cultural parks in the spirit of sustainable spaces and services.
Supporting solutions that improve the quality of guide services, including in special areas.
Development of legislative solutions for the protection of the urban landscape with the participation of the tourism sector.
Jointly building a competitive congress offer of the city, its promotion and lobbying with the use of the most effective marketing tools, e.g. a congress package, the Polish Congress Ambassadors program.
Concentration and commercialization of unique events (including exhibitions, festivals, etc.) with a prestigious national and international rank.
Creation of a platform for information and commercialization of the offer of cultural institutions and events.
Engaging creative industries and non-tourism services.
Increasing the integration of tasks of other municipal institutions (Krakow Film Commission, Krakow Festival Office) with the tourism economy.
The preparation of the document was preceded by diagnostic analyzes. Research was also carried out on the attitudes and expectations of residents, and during the pandemic, an interview with entrepreneurs regarding their economic condition and proposals for measures to rebuild tourism in Krakow.
Valentine’s Day is approaching and if you don’t have anything planned yet, you might consider a lovely walk and a perfect view for the day. There are places in Małopolska with beautiful, breathtaking views. They offer a magnificent panorama of the Gorce, Beskid Wyspowy or Low Mountains, and even the Tatra Mountains. So today, especially for you, I’ve decided to share those 5 Special Perfect View places with you.
KOSCIUSZKO MOUND IN KRAKOW
Erected by Cracovians (aka People of Krakow) in commemoration of the Polish national leader Tadeusz Kościuszko, is an artificial mound modeled after Kraków’s prehistoric mounds of Krak and Wanda. A serpentine path leads to the top, approximately 326 meters (1,070 ft) above sea level, with a panoramic view of the Vistula River and the city. It is a perfect spot for sunsets and sunrise moments 🙂 Highly recommend it!
VIEWING PLATFORM IN WOLA KROGULECKA
The spiral viewing platform on Wola Krogulecka is located at an altitude of 550 m above sea level. It towers over the Poprad Valley and offers wonderful views of the Sadecki Beskids, including the Radziejowa Range, the Poprad River, the Sądecka Basin, and the Beskid Wyspowy. It is called “Ślimak” – aka The Snail 🙂 Watch the video below and you will see why!
Architect: Wojciech Świątek
THE TOWN HALL IN BIECZ
Wooden stairs lead to the town hall tower, through which you can enter the viewing platform from which there is a beautiful panorama of the Ropa valley, Beskid Niski and the adjacent Carpathian Foothills.
VIEWING TOWER IN MOGIELICA
The tower offers a vast view covering, among others: Beskid Wyspowy, Beskid Sądecki, Gorce and Tatry.
CASTLE IN DOBCZYCE
The castle was first mentioned in written sources in 1362 but had been fortified since 1311. In the time of Casimir III the Great, the walls were from 5 to 9 meters thick, and the castle was a fortified stronghold. 1398 – the castle was the abode of King Władysław II Jagiełło and his wife Jadwiga. 1473 – for several months, Prince Casimir stayed here after returning from an unsuccessful expedition.
The Lubomirski family, who ruled the castle from 1585, rebuilt the Gothic fortress into a Renaissance residence in the years 1593–1594. The clocktower, chapel, and fountain were added. By 1620 the castle had 70 rooms and 3 towers. In the 1960s the site was extensively excavated. The attraction of the castle hill is the viewpoint on Pogórze and Beskidy Mountains.
So… which one would you pick? 🙂 I am biased, so I will always go with the fantastic 360 degrees view over Krakow, from the Kosciuszko Mound.
A press conference with the participation of, among others, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Minister of Health Adam Niedzielski took place today. The next stage of easing the restrictions introduced in connection with the coronavirus pandemic has been announced. From February 12, cinemas and theaters will be opened (up to 50% of seats will be occupied). Hotels may also be opened with the same restrictions. But this is not the end. “Also from February 12 we open sport outside, i.e. pitches, courts, slopes” – announced Deputy Prime Minister Piotr Gliński.
“Throughout the week we listened to the voices of experts, the economic sector, etc. We are dealing with the stabilization of the pandemic situation, new cases of infections, but at the same time, the number of deaths is still very large. Therefore, it can be called fragile stabilization”, emphasizes Prime Minister Morawiecki.
In addition to cinemas and theaters, other cultural institutions will also be open from February 12 – Opera houses and Philharmonics
They are still closed, however, restaurants and gyms.
Here is the list of changes from February 12:
Hotels will be opened (up to 50% occupancy)
Cinemas, theaters, philharmonics, and operas will be opened up to 50% of the occupancy
Outdoor playgrounds, tennis courts, and ski slopes will be opened
Indoor pools will be opened
Restaurants, gyms, and fitness clubs will still be closed
What can Poles expect?
“There is no shortage of suggestions that it is the hotels (under strict sanitary regime) that will open after February 14th. On Thursday, the head of the PiS Executive Committee, Krzysztof Sobolewski, also spoke about this on Radio ZET. In his opinion, the hotels may be opened on Valentine’s Day” – Radio ZET informed.
“Hotels could start operating under strict sanitary regime “.” We are also analyzing the situation related to other industries. It is possible that MRPiT will also recommend other easing to the Council of Ministers in the near future “
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Development, Labor and Technology Jarosław Gowin
Let us remind you that shopping malls have been fully open for several days, including museums. They have liquidated the so-called hours for seniors (inside the stores – between 10 am and 12).
The epidemiological situation in Poland
6,496 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed on February 4 by the Ministry of Health. Most of the province Masovian (960). In turn, from the province Małopolskiego 272. Another 84 people died in the whole country due to COVID-19, while 360 people died due to the coexistence of COVID-19 with other diseases.
Already over 130 thousand people were vaccinated in our country against COVID-19. Meanwhile, there is a discussion about which privileges should be counted on by Poles who receive the vaccine. Among the ideas, there is even such that only those who are vaccinated receive 500 plus benefit.
How realistic is this idea? The government has not yet officially commented on it. However, there are more realistic proposals: vaccinated people are to be released immediately from quarantine after contact with a sick person. What else can they count on?
What privileges will those vaccinated against COVID-19 be able to count on?
Vaccinated people should not count on special privileges, but we have introduced the status of the vaccinated person in the National Vaccination Program – said Michał Dworczyk.
Who is getting the vaccine?
Medics from the zero group will be the first to use the vaccine. Employees of nursing homes and support staff also have priority.
The government is concerned that there may not be enough people willing to vaccinate. Therefore, he offered “benefits” for the vaccinated, which Michał Dworczyk talked about on Radio ZET.
Tax breaks?
Will vaccinated people have additional privileges?
This question was answered in the program of the Guest of Radio ZET by the Head of the Chancellery of the Prime Minister and the government’s plenipotentiary for vaccination, Michał Dworczyk.
The National Immunization Program defines the status of vaccinated person. This status varies for a person who has not been vaccinated. However, it is not about any special privileges. The vaccinated person is safe for others. This is a guarantee that the person will not spread the virus. Hence the solution to lifting the quarantine against the vaccinated. These are rational rules, said the head of the Chancellery of the Prime Minister.
Will discrimination happen?!
When asked if the unvaccinated would be discriminated against in this way, the politician replied that “the government acts rationally”.
I am against giving privileges to the vaccinated. Releasing Poles after the vaccine from the quarantine obligation is not a bonus, but a common-sense action. Why should we isolate those who are definitely not transmitting disease? On principle? It does not make sense
MICHAŁ DWORCZYK
I am opposed to privileges such as tax relief for the vaccinated. This would be an unreasonable bonus. Such an idea appeared in public debate, but the government did not work on it, replied the government representative.
“Vaccinated status” being introduced
The National Immunization Program introduces the concept of “vaccinated status”. As we read in the document, the receipt of the vaccine will be confirmed by a special system that will allow the vaccination to be verified (including a QR code that will allow you to quickly confirm the vaccination).
What “privileges” can a person with a vaccination certificate count on? In addition to being released from the quarantine obligation, even after contact with an infected person, the vaccinated will be able to use public health services without additional tests. Those who get vaccinated will also not be counted towards the limits on socializing.
Who has priority?
Vaccination of Poles belonging to group zero has started. It concerns employees of the health care sector (including individual practitioners), employees of Nursing Homes, and employees of Municipal Social Welfare Centers as well as auxiliary and administrative staff in medical facilities.
As part of the vaccination of health care workers, people will be able to get vaccinated, e.g. performing medical professions, i.e. providing health services, including laboratory diagnosticians, pharmacists, clinical psychologists and others, including employees of private healthcare providers. Vaccinations will also cover technical and administrative employees of medical entities, diagnostic laboratories, medical transport, as well as university teachers and students of medical faculties
Stage 1 to 3
Immediately after them, as part of the first stage, inmates of nursing homes and nursing and care centers, as well as other places of stationary stay, people over 60 years of age, in the order of the oldest, uniformed services and teachers, will get vaccinated.
The second stage involves vaccinating those seniors who suffer from chronic diseases or are undergoing treatment. During this time, people who “directly ensure the functioning of the basic activities of the state and are exposed to infection due to frequent social contacts” will also be vaccinated.
The last ones in the third round will be vaccinated by entrepreneurs and employees of sectors closed under the regulations on establishing certain restrictions, orders, and bans in connection with the outbreak of the epidemic. Right after them, other adults will be able to vaccinate.
Restrictions for Christmas and New Year’s Eve 2020. Only 5 guests can come to the family for Christmas. The government decided so, issuing further restrictions on fighting the pandemic. We write what else is unusual for us as of Christmas 2020. It is because of the Coronavirus.
New restrictions until 27th of December 2020!
Coronavirus statistics remain volatile. As part of the fight against the pandemic, the government introduced further restrictions in November, which will be in force until December 27 , and thus also the day after Christmas 2020. In connection with these provisions, it will be unacceptable to feast together at an exceptionally large table this year .
All this in the light of the law – it is a regulation limiting the number of people who can stay in an apartment at the same time. This regulation states: “Until December 27, 2020, it is forbidden to organize (…) assemblies, including events, meetings, and gatherings of any type, except for meetings of up to 5 people, which take place in the premises or building indicated as the address of the place of residence or stay of the person who organizes the event or meeting “.
The rules
On Christmas 2020, apart from the household members, only 5 guests will be able to sit at the table.
Christmas Eve for the homeless, sick, lonely, and seniors this year are canceled by the pandemic. The organizers of these festive meetings, such as Caritas and the Polish Red Cross, can give out, for example, food packages for Christmas.
If “Gwiazdor” (aka the Star Man aka Santa Claus/Saint Nicholas) comes to children, he must also wear a protective mask under the chin and under the mask.
Christmas shopping: 1 customer in the shop, per 15 square meters!
Church: keep a distance at least of 1.5 meters between people & cover the mouth and nose. This goes also for the Midnight Mass! There will also be no traditional Christmas carols in the 2020/21 season. Parishioners will be able to go to a special mass instead of Christmas carols in their apartment!
No New Year’s Eve parties and concerts!
No New Year’s Eve 2020 spent in a restaurant, pub, or hotel!
Vaccines for COVID-19 in Poland are getting closer. As promised by the health minister, the first groups of people are to be vaccinated at the turn of January and February 2021. Friday the 4th of December 2020, preliminary vaccination procedures were announced. Meanwhile, more questions arise from the public about its side effects. Doubts are dispelled by Dr. Lidia Stopyra, a specialist in infectious diseases, head of the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Stefan Żeromski Specialist Hospital in Krakow.
Declaration of readiness
From Friday, medical entities may declare their readiness to participate in the national vaccination program against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, said the head of the Prime Minister’s Office, Michał Dworczyk. Recruitment has started on the Internet. There you will find all the details that must be met by hospitals and clinics to participate in the program. The first stage of recruitment will last until December 11 .
“On December 15, there will be information about all reported points where it will be possible to get vaccinated. We estimate that in Poland it may be approx. 8 thousand. points, in large agglomerations” – said Dworczyk. “We want the program not to disturb the normal functioning of the clinic” – he specified. Additional points will also be provided in reserve hospitals.
Point in each municipality
In addition, in line with the promises of the government, each commune will have at least one mobile vaccination point dedicated to people with disabilities who cannot reach stationary places on their own. Each doctor will be able to decide on a qualification for vaccination.
“We want hospitals, health care centers, private entities to report their teams. There is no requirement that the entity has a contract with the National Health Fund. It is enough for the team to meet the basic criteria” – said the Minister of Health, Adam Niedzielski. “We will pay great attention to the safety of patients during vaccination” – he added.
The registration & Evaluation Process will be ongoing!
It includes o disinfection of the entire infrastructure intended for vaccination. Each hospital should have a vaccination coordinator who will take on the reporting responsibilities so that it is clear how the program is going, how many people have already had their vaccinations.
Please do not count that this vaccine will be today or tomorrow. The clinical trial registration and evaluation process are ongoing. The vaccine will probably be in early January. It will not be introduced until we are sure that it meets all the safety and effectiveness criteria.
Prof. Andrzej Horban, chief advisor to the prime minister for combating the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic.
2 doses are required!
The vaccination effect is expected to be visible after about 6 weeks. Prof. Horban recalled that 2 doses would be required. He stated that the vaccine did not alter the genome, as some say. Local reactions may occur, such as with influenza vaccination.
“In the beginning, we want to protect the groups that are most at risk of dying. The vaccine will work if most of the population is vaccinated” – added prof. Horban. “Vaccination of young people will be done in the second place” – he said.
Qualifications for the vaccine
How will the qualification for vaccination look like? “If there are indications for vaccinations, there are basically no contraindications. Apart from a high fever” – said prof. Horban. “We vaccinate everyone, regardless of the level of antibodies or infection, to make them more resistant to re-infection” – he specified.
Doubts about the safety of the preparation
Meanwhile, more and more questions and doubts about vaccine safety arise among part of the society. Doubts in this regard are dispelled by Dr. Lidia Stopyra, a specialist in infectious diseases, head of the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Stefan Żeromski Specialist Hospital in Krakow.
“These vaccines are worrying because they were developed quickly.” You can comment on it this way: need is the mother of invention. No serious and self-respecting company would release a vaccine on the market, the safety of which would not be certain, because it could lead to multi-million dollar lawsuits and, as a result, bankruptcy.
Dr. Stopyra
And he adds that we can assess their safety by analogy to other vaccines produced by the same method.
“On this basis, we can assume that this vaccine, like any other substance that has been introduced into our body, may, for example, cause a strong allergic reaction. However, it should be realized that the risk of such complications is extremely rare. They are also nothing compared to the behavior and severe course of COVID-19”, explains Dr. Stopyra.
A chance to return to normal?
In her opinion, the COVID-19 vaccine is a chance to return to normal. When asked how many people would have to be vaccinated in order for us to feel safe, she replies: “Judging on the basis of the experience that medicine has with other infectious diseases, we can assume that with vaccinations at the level of 80-90% we will be able to feel safe”.
The level of protection also depends on how many people have contracted the disease. And we do not know this completely, because the statistics only include the number of convalescents who have had the tests performed, and yet there are a lot of people who have not been tested.
Recent numbers (as of 5th December, when the article was published)
Recent laboratory tests have confirmed SARS-CoV-2 in 13,239 people, 599 of whom are residents of our province. Since the beginning of the pandemic in the region, infection with Coronavirus has been confirmed in 96 140 people. Unfortunately, a lot of infected people still die every day.
Article translated from Gazeta Krakowska (published on the 5th of December 2020) – read it in the Polish language here.
Can there be a travel ban during the Christmas season? This was not ruled out by Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki when announcing new rules for fighting the coronavirus epidemic.
New rules to fight Coronavirus
Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced new rules for fighting the coronavirus. From next Saturday, November 28, all shops and shopping malls will be open, but they are to operate in the highest sanitary regime. If this is not the case, the stores will be closed. Restaurants, gyms, fitness clubs, and cultural centers will remain closed until December 27. Until the holidays, there will be distance learning for all students.
Do not travel for Christmas!
The prime minister also appealed to Poles to limit mobility and interpersonal contacts as much as possible, especially during the upcoming Christmas holidays.
The Christmas season is ahead of us. This is the time we meet. I am already appealing to a small group of meetings, not to move between cities, because it depends on what severe restrictions will be later on, said the head of government.
The holidays should have an intimate character, we should spend them in the smallest, closest circle. Holidays are a time of hope, but it is also a test for us – said Deputy Prime Minister Jarosław Gowin.
Limiting the movement might come next…
But what if Poles do not listen to the government’s recommendations and during the holidays they go on trips around Poland? Mateusz Morawiecki does not exclude legal solutions that will make it impossible to move, at least on a larger scale.
We are working on legal possibilities that will limit the possibility of movement during the holiday season – the prime minister said enigmatically. All the time he appealed to limit interpersonal contacts as much as possible.
A Coronavirus vaccine… Soon!
All Poles have weapons to fight the coronavirus: it is discipline, solidarity, and compliance with sanitary rules. We are facing a period of 100 days of solidarity. By the end of this period, it is likely that a coronavirus vaccine will be available. Even, if not for everyone, a large proportion of those vaccinated will break the chain of infections, said Mateusz Morawiecki.
During the latest conference, Prime Minister Morawiecki, announced new rules regarding restrictions in connection with the Coronavirus pandemic. Shops will be open! :O
Shops may open up!
Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced new rules for fighting the coronavirus. From next Saturday, November 28, all shops and shopping malls will be open, but they are to operate in the highest sanitary regime. If this is not the case, the stores will be closed. Restaurants, gyms, fitness clubs, and cultural centers will remain closed until December 27. Until the holidays, there will be distance learning for all students.
People are losing their jobs!
From next Saturday, retail outlets will be able to operate in the highest sanitary regime. We met with the trade industry, they promised us that they would take care to keep the number of people in the shops as low as possible, announced Prime Minister Morawiecki.
We were persuaded by other industries, gastronomy, gyms, and cultural industries to open them. However, we are following the advice of our epidemiologists and will keep them closed until December 27. Before Christmas we will inform you what to do next, added the head of government.
Discipline, discipline, discipline!
As Mateusz Morawiecki pointed out, it is important to save hundreds of thousands and millions of jobs in the future, but also to keep the increase in infections in check, as in the last 10 days. There is one condition: discipline of every store, furniture store, shopping mall. We will control them and, if there is no sanitary discipline, we will close stores, said the Prime Minister.
Distance learning in schools will also apply until holidays. However, in the new year, from January 4, winter holidays will begin for all provinces at the same time. They will last two weeks.
Human tragedies unfolding…
Under every information about death, there is a human tragedy, we experience it in many Polish families. That is why we increase the number of beds and respirators every day. We have over 37,000 beds, of which 40 % is free and waiting for patients, although we want them to remain free. For this, we have 3 thousand ventilators, several hundred of which are waiting for patients, said Prime Minister Morawiecki.
As the head of government pointed out, the situation with the coronavirus is still not good. The 7-day rolling series of infections is over 22,000 cases per day. I am concerned about the daily number of deaths, directly and indirectly, due to the Coronavirus. We must remember that the virus takes the death toll that it sowed 3-4 weeks ago. We will see an improvement only in some time – he added.
Prime Minister admits mistakes were made…
The prime minister then admitted that mistakes had been made regarding the coronavirus. Many of our predictions and analyzes were wrong. Two days ago there was the European Council, I heard the opinions of prime ministers and presidents and I know that the mood is similar in many EU countries. We have to demand more from ourselves because the situation is difficult. Coronavirus is a force of nature that cannot be fully controlled. In the fight against it, we lose as often as we achieve any achievements – he emphasized.
100 days of solidarity – Coronavirus vaccine at the end
All Poles have weapons to fight the coronavirus: it is discipline, solidarity, and compliance with sanitary rules. We are facing a period of 100 days of solidarity. By the end of this period, it is likely that a coronavirus vaccine will be available. Even, if not for everyone, a large proportion of those vaccinated will break the chain of infections, said Mateusz Morawiecki
School Holidays
The prime minister, announcing that school holidays will last from 4 to 17 January, added that they are cumulated for all voivodeships so that possible tourist traffic is as small as possible. Mateusz Morawiecki, however, appealed not to travel, especially abroad, to break the chain of infections and to minimize mobility. Let whole families stay at home. There is a chance that the first vaccines will appear around January 17 – he added.
Various scenarios to fight the pandemic
Health Minister Adam Niedzielski announced that the government puts predictability and transparency. The point is not to surprise and show a longer perspective, that the plans are predictable and communicative. We have presented clear rules. They will appear in the form of a draft regulation even today. In addition, there will be a whole package of regulations – announced Niedzielski.
The minister of health also presented potential scenarios for fighting the epidemic. If we approach the disease below 19 thousand per day, that’s when the red zone rules will apply. The number of cases below 10,000 is the yellow zone, and below 4,000 are the rules for the green zone. However, there may be a negative scenario, i.e. an acceleration of the pandemic, and we also predict such a scenario, i.e. a national quarantine, if the daily number of cases starts to exceed 27,000. – warned Niedzielski.
Restrictions introduced by Prime Minister Morawiecki in early November
Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki informed at the beginning of the month that November would be “one of the most difficult moments during the pandemic”. The pandemic is growing and our response must be decisive – said the head of government. Further restrictions are very much needed, we are protecting people and health care from the consequences of the pandemic – he added.
The restrictions introduced at the beginning of November include:
distance learning also for grades 1-3, an extension of distance learning until the end of November
closed all cultural institutions – museums, cinemas, theaters, galleries, etc.
hotel facilities will be available only to guests on business trips
trade – in smaller shops up to 100 sq m. 1 person per 10 sq m will be able to stay, and in stores of 100 sq m 1 person / 15 sqm remains
Shops in shopping malls will be closed, except for groceries, pharmacies, drugstores, and services.
In addition, there was a last-minute closure of furniture stores. However, from October, among others, swimming pools, fitness clubs and gyms. However, these institutions often circumvented the regulations and invited people to use their services in preparation for sports competitions.
National Quarantine?!
The next step is a national quarantine and a complete lockdown to stop the worst, that is, the crack in the health service.
Prime Minister Morawiecki, announcing the November restrictions.
The prime minister announced that if new cases of the coronavirus affect more than 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, a severe safety brake will be applied, and if 75 cases out of 100,000 are exceeded, it will be necessary to implement a national quarantine.
If the number of new infections is less than 50 but greater than 25, it is possible to return to the red zones. Below 25, it is possible to return to the yellow zone – added Mateusz Morawiecki. The head of government admitted that he would like to say that the worst is behind us, “but it would be premature”. It is likely that after these new safety rules if we strictly follow them, the situation will improve – says Mateusz Morawiecki. The prime minister also appealed to people protesting in the framework of the “Women’s Strike” to move the protest to the Internet, where it will not increase the epidemic threat.
The original article, in the Polish language, from Gazeta Krakowska, can be found here.
Due to the pandemic in Poland, Covid-19 contributes to the death of several hundred people every day. According to the latest data, only 20 people who were diagnosed with the coronavirus died on Tuesday (16th November 2020) in Krakow alone. It turns out, however, that death does not end the threat of an epidemic spreading.
What is the burial of the dead on Covid-19? Is cremation necessary, or are special security measures sufficient? The Ministry of Health has issued special guidelines on this issue (according to Gazeta Krakowska – 16th November 2020).
Funeral of the dead from the coronavirus. Ministry of Health guidelines
Jan Bondar, a spokesman for the Chief Sanitary Inspector, ensures that the cremation of deceased people suffering from COVID-19 is not necessary. However, special security measures must be taken when burial.
In the case of the corpse of people who have died from the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the corpse should be disinfected with disinfectant fluid. Also, do not wash a corpse before the funeral, and if necessary, take special precautions.
According to the Ministry’s recommendations, the body should be placed in a protective, sealed bag, along with clothes or a hospital cover, and if the body is handed over for incineration, place the first bag with the body in the second bag.
In the case of transferring the body to a crematorium, it must be placed in a transport capsule made of a material that can be washed and disinfected. At the bottom of the burial coffin, a 5 cm thick layer of liquid-absorbing substance should be placed. After placing the body in a coffin or transport capsule, close the coffin or transport capsule tightly and spray it with disinfecting liquid.
The Ministry of Health also emphasizes that all these activities should be performed by people employed in hospitals or properly trained employees of funeral parlors. Importantly, such people must be protected with personal protective equipment.
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