The rapid and avalanche-like increase in SARS-CoV-2 infections in Poland in autumn 2020 forced the authorities to take massive action across the country. From October 10, a new regulation of the Council of Ministers was issued, which irrevocably repainted the map of Poland. Traditional regionalisation (so-called slow emergence of zones) gave way to a single top-down assumption – the whole of Poland instantly became a huge, warning yellow zone (with the exception of local outbreaks marked in red).
💡 Key takeaways
- The whole of Poland has entered the yellow (or red for severely affected districts) zone regime, which unifies restrictions.
- The order to cover the nose and mouth has also become absolute in open spaces (e.g. walking on the pavement).
- Who doesn't have to wear a mask when out for a walk? Forests, parks, green spaces, beaches and allotments (ROD) are exempt from the rule – there we can still breathe freely.
- From 16 October, the exceptions have been narrowed, placing even heavier requirements on, for example, those driving a foreign car or engaging in amateur sports in city centres.
In the face of a rapid increase in complaints and a lack of social mobilisation, instructions for the Police on warnings have been exhausted. The Police Headquarters has ordered a policy of imposing strict fines of PLN 500 on every street patrolled within the zone.
New restrictions, yellow zone and regulation: Where don't you need to wear a mask?
Where do you not need to wear a face mask?
The order to wear face coverings, in the face of autumn surges of several thousand daily infections, is treated as dogma in urbanised areas and spreads to entire spaces, such as pavements, public squares, and cemeteries. However, the regulation, taking pity on the human body demanding oxygen and rest, listed precise, elite green spaces where one could stroll We are exempted from wearing masks:
These include:
- Forests
- Urban parks, green spaces,
- Botanical and historic gardens,
- Seaside and lakeside beaches,
- Family Allotment Garden Area (ROD).
Who else is legally exempt regardless of their place of residence? Children under 5 years old, officiating priests in a church, judges or competitors participating in matches, flight crew in the cockpit, and of course – all those eating dinner seated in a designated place in an establishment and consuming a drink in a train compartment (after taking a reserved seat).
PLEASE NOTE CHANGE TO 16 OCTOBER 2020: After a few days, the government tightened the regulations due to the clever use of legal loopholes. Recreational city cyclists and pedestrians are no longer exempt – you can only remove your mask while participating in professional competitive sport. Masks, on the other hand, are disappearing from all individuals sharing the space of a private car during a journey.
Restrictions on public gatherings and weddings
The greatest risk of virus particles dispersing in air conditioning is from crowds of people, for example, traditional large Polish company parties, funerals, or weddings.
The regulation abolishes guest limits from the so-called "main pipe" (waiter service does not count towards guest restrictions):
- In the Red Zone – strict wedding reception limit cut to just 50 people.
- In the Yellow Zone – limit 75 guests in the rooms.
Nightclubs and bars only until 10 PM
The new regulations completely clip the wings of those who long for dancing. The operation of so-called nightclubs, dance floors and discotheques is blocked nationwide until further notice (a controversial decision in relation to the Constitution on entrepreneurial rights itself).
Regarding gastronomy itself – in "red counties," bars, cafes and restaurants serving pizza can only host customers on-site during extremely limited hours – from the breakfast window at 06:00 to just 22:00. At night, the only option remaining is to order via courier to your door.
Consequences and Police Stance (Zero Tolerance)
During the spring and summer tourist season, police officers took a lenient approach towards the crowds of tourists, issuing verbal ‘warnings’ in 80% instances of people not wearing face masks, and issuing a fine in just 20% cases. The new health guidelines reverse this approach. The police have been given a clear message – no more leniency; penalties are intended to mobilise the public. Furthermore, if a municipal police officer stops a pedestrian and asks for identification, the pedestrian must unequivocally prove that they are not wearing a mask by presenting a valid document (a disability certificate or a doctor’s note prohibiting the covering of the mouth).