On Wednesday, November 4, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced further restrictions in connection with the coronavirus pandemic (including limiting trade in galleries and closing schools).
At the same time, he also presented that a complete lockdown may occur in Poland. And this one is very close. So what should you be prepared for? What can await us during the national quarantine?
When will national quarantine be necessary?
According to Prime Minister Morawiecki, the decision to introduce a lockdown may be made even within the next ten days. When will national quarantine be necessary? The prime minister explained during the press conference:
If the epidemic affects more than 70-75 people per 100,000 inhabitants, we will have to implement national quarantine rules, including no movement.
Prime Minister Morawiecki
“National Quarantine” – what does it mean?
The introduction of a national quarantine will impose restrictions on further industries and restrictions on movement.
If the epidemic affects more than 50 cases per 100,000 residents for 7 days nationwide, “we are turning on this severe safety brake.” If it is in the 70-75 range, the rules of the national quarantine will be implemented, i.e. also restrictions in movement. However, if the number of cases is smaller, more than 25 but less than 50 per 100,000 for 7 days nationwide, it is possible to return to the rules of red zones. If greater than 10 and less than 25, it will return to the yellow zones.
Prime Minister Morawiecki
Second lockdown knocking at our doors…
According to Onet’s estimates, such a threshold will be reached after exceeding 30,000 cases a day. At the moment, the number of infected people is increasing at a rate of 20-25 thousand daily.
When it comes to Małopolska, Gazeta Krakowska calculations show that the indicator mentioned by Prime Minister Morawiecki for the region is already 68. Therefore, our voivodeship is close to the border mentioned by the rulers.
What are we to expect?
Ban on movements
After introducing a national quarantine, the government may announce a ban on movement without a valid reason (so it could be allowed to leave the place of residence only in special cases, e.g. to do grocery shopping or see a doctor).
Special documents to go outside
In some countries, people outside their homes must have special documents to justify their movement in public spaces. Similar rules could be introduced in Poland.
Re-closing borders
The re-closure of borders is also a realistic scenario, as was the case in spring during the first coronavirus wave.
Temporary border controls were introduced in March when there were relatively few infections. Poles returning to Poland had to undergo a 14-day home quarantine. Only cross-border workers and road transport drivers were exempted.
Curfew
In some countries – due to the growing number of infections – a curfew has been introduced (e.g. in France – a ban on leaving houses and apartments from 21:00 to 6:00).
For a curfew to be introduced in Poland, a state of emergency must first be introduced. This, in turn, is introduced at the request of the Council of Ministers. However, such a solution cannot be completely ruled out.
Ban on forest entering
The ban on entering forests, which aroused a lot of emotions a few months ago, may be introduced again.
No more open beauty salons!
Of course, a national quarantine and full lockdown would mean closing down, among others, hairdressing and beauty salons that may still be in operation today.
Flight bans
Of course, the real scenario is to close the airports and introduce a flight ban.
Kindergartens and Schools
From Monday (9th November 2020), students of the youngest primary school grades (I, II, and III) have started remote learning. However, kindergartens are still operating. However, they would most likely be closed if a national quarantine was introduced.
Closing churches?!
This scenario is not very realistic, but it cannot be ruled out. The number of people allowed to attend mass has already been reduced. Will the churches be completely closed, however, like cemeteries?
Ban on large gatherings
It looks like the ban on gathering may also be extended. Currently, more than 5 people are forbidden to meet up (e.g. business meetings in companies).
Cover your nose and mouth!
The obligation to cover the mouth and nose may also apply, inter alia, in parks and forests.
I don’t know about you you, but I am definitely NOT looking forward to that 🙁 Stay safe!
Yours truly,
The Twisted Red LadyBug
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