Announcing the move on Friday evening, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said: “With the security of the Polish people in mind, we will introduce full controls at all our borders … initially for 10 days, with a possible extension to 20 days and then by another month."
Most international flights and train services have been suspended after the country declared a state of "epidemic emergency.”
But charter flights will be allowed in so that Poles abroad can return home, officials have said.
Morawiecki told reporters on Saturday that the government would charter special flights to help Poles come home as borders close amid fears of the coronavirus.
Polish citizens returning from abroad will have to undergo a 14-day quarantine after crossing the border.
Those heading home from abroad by car will be subjected to strict checks.
The country’s borders will stay open to the movement of goods.
Foreigners with residence and work permits will be allowed to enter, as will spouses and children of Polish citizens, officials have said.
Poland’s foreign ministry has launched a special hotline, at +48 22 523 8880, for callers with border-crossing questions.
Seven new confirmed cases of coronavirus infection were reported in Poland on Sunday morning, bringing the country’s total to 111.
(gs)
Source: PAP, TVP Info