Government introduces national quarantine from December 28 to January 17

“From December 28, 2020, to January 17, 2021, we are introducing a national quarantine. We are closing hotels, also for business traffic, and ski slopes,” Adam Niedzielski, Minister of Health, announced. He informed also that on New Year's Eve there would be a ban on movement.

During the press conference, the head of the Ministry of Health warned about a possible third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. He pointed out that the effect of vaccinations will still not be visible in January or February.

"We are also closing hotels to business traffic. These exceptions will be really limited to a minimum, especially in the context of what we have observed in recent days when invitations to business holidays could be found on the Internet,” Niedzielski said.

 He informed that the exceptions would apply to medics targeted to fight Covid-19 who had been accommodated in hotels. Staff hotels will also be an exception.

From December 28 to January 17, galleries will also be closed, with the exception of stores that ensure basic needs, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and drugstores.

The minister also informed that on New Year's Eve there will be restrictions on movement from 7.00 pm December 31 to 6.00 am January 1. Niedzielski informed that there will be fines for breaking the travel restrictions on New Year's Eve.

"It is only legitimate to leave the house to satisfy such emergency needs as a visit to a pharmacy, or for another purpose, for example, a professional one," the head of the Ministry of Health said.

Niedzielski also informed that all people who will come to Poland by organized transport will have a mandatory 10-day quarantine. The government informed that the existing rules and restrictions would be extended, i.e. the prohibition on the movement of persons under 16 years of age without the care of a parent or legal guardian from Monday to Friday from 8.00-16.00 (except for day camps). Further restrictions will apply in places of religious worship (maximum 1 person per 15 sqm). The ban on weddings, communions, and parties was also maintained. The hours for seniors will still apply - from Monday to Friday from 10.00 to 12.00.

(PAP)