Poland extends COVID-19 curbs until April 18

Poland will extend its latest round of COVID-19 restrictions until at least April 18, Health Minister Adam Niedzielski said on Wednesday, as the country battles a third wave of the pandemic.

Polish Health Minister Adam Niedzielski is seen on a screen as he holds a virtual news conference on Wednesday.

Photo: PAP/Leszek Szymański

Hotels, cinemas, theatres and sports facilities nationwide will remain closed as part of the partial lockdown, while shopping malls will only be allowed to sell essential items.

❗🇵🇱 "The consequences of possible increased mobility during the Easter holidays will be visible next week, so we decided to extend the existing safety rules until 18 April" - Minister of Health @a_niedzielski. pic.twitter.com/VawpVjxSSQ

— Chancellery of the Prime Minister of Poland (@PremierRP_en) April 7, 2021

Przedłużenie obowiązujących zasad bezpieczeństwa do 18 kwietnia ⚠️

Czytaj więcej ➡️ https://t.co/XjbU7unuWX pic.twitter.com/UtHFjWrqGD

— Kancelaria Premiera (@PremierRP) April 7, 2021

A range of new COVID-19 restrictions took effect in Poland at the end of last month as officials reported record daily rises in infections and the health minister warned the country was "in a crisis situation."

According to Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, Poland was at the time experiencing its most difficult moment in the pandemic, with the public health service approaching the limits of its capacity to cope.

Around 80% of hospital beds with ventilators occupied

Niedzielski told reporters on Wednesday that around 80 percent of hospital beds with ventilators were occupied by patients nationwide.

Photo: PAP/Leszek Szymański

Poland on Wednesday reported 14,910 new coronavirus infections and 638 more deaths, bringing its total number of cases during the pandemic to 2,471,617 and fatalities to 55,703.

The health ministry announced on Wednesday morning that 34,691 COVID-19 patients were in hospitals nationwide, including 3,342 of them on ventilators.

Preschools, hair salons to remain shut

Under rules in place since March 27, large retail outlets and churches are expected to admit fewer people.

Meanwhile, hair salons and beauty parlours remain shut, while preschools are closed to children apart from those of medics, soldiers, police and firefighters.

Large furniture and home improvement stores also remain closed, while sports facilities are only available to professional athletes.

Strict rules on face masks

Under a set of coronavirus restrictions that took effect on February 27, Poles are not allowed to use scarves, bandanas and plastic visors instead of masks to cover their face in public.

Under restrictions announced in October, pubs, restaurants and cafes throughout the country remain closed and are only allowed to provide take-aways and delivery orders.

As of October 10, people must cover their mouths and noses when outdoors in public places as well as in most indoor environments nationwide.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP, TVP Info