Poland’s government has announced all of the country will become a “red zone” of strict anti-COVID-19 restrictions starting Saturday, just short of a lockdown.
Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki appealed Friday to Poles to strictly observe the restrictions in order to protect lives. The appeal came as the nation of 38 million hit another daily record of new registered infections — over 13,600, with 153 deaths.
The measures, which are being expanded from local red zones to the whole nation, include wearing masks at all times outdoors and switching all primary schools to remote learning. Morawiecki said the goal is to limit social contacts and the number of passengers on public transport. In other measures, restaurants and other eateries will only be allowed to provide takeout for another two weeks and gatherings cannot exceed five people, except for professional activity.
People aged above 70 are requested to stay home, and a system of support in delivering supplies to them is being put in place.
“We absolutely must cut the means of transmission of infection,” Morawiecki said.
Poland’s government is also appealing to Poles to stay home and refrain from observing the national tradition of visiting relatives’ graves on All Saints’ Day, Nov. 1.
