Poland extends distance schooling, shuts down all cultural facilities

Photo: www.facebook.com/Mateusz Morawiecki

The Polish government announced additional restrictions to curb the COVID-19 epidemic on Wednesday, as health authorities reported another 24,692 cases and 373 deaths — both new 24-hour highs since the virus outbreak.

The measures, which will come in force Saturday and last at least until Nov. 29, include extending required distance schooling to the youngest school age groups and shutting down all cultural facilities including cinemas and theaters.

Shops face stricter limits on the number of customers on their premises at one time, while retailers in shopping malls will be forced to close, with exceptions of pharmacies and supermarkets.

“November will be the toughest period yet,” Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said at a press conference making the announcement, adding that he hopes the country could avoid a full lockdown with the new measures.

During an online Q&A session later on Wednesday, the prime minister asked organizers of the Independent March, scheduled for Nov. 11 to celebrate Independence Day, to cancel the plans.

“When the situation is under control, we can go together next year,” he said.
As the world is in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, countries across the globe — including China, Russia, Britain and the U.S. — are racing to find a vaccine.

In Poland, one candidate medication developed from the blood plasma of recovered COVID-19 patients is currently undergoing testing in the eastern town of Lublin.