Ladies and Gentlemen,
as of today, further restrictions are in force to counteract the spread of COVID-19. They were introduced pursuant to the Regulation of the Council of Ministers of March 31, 2020, on the establishment of certain restrictions, orders, and prohibitions in connection with the occurrence of a state of epidemic.
The restrictions include, among others, extending quarantine to persons residing or having a household with a person subject to mandatory quarantine, reducing the possibility of a certain number of people staying at one time and place in commercial or service facilities, the operation of hotels, changes in the operation of large-scale facilities, temporary restrictions on the provision of beauty and hairdressing services, rules for the transport of persons by means of transport, and the introduction of additional safety measures in workplaces.
At the same time, we would like to remind you that the restrictions set out in the Regulation of the Minister of Health of March 24, 2020, amending the Regulation on declaring a state of epidemic in the Republic of Poland, remain in force. We informed you about these restrictions in our legal alert of March 25, 2020 (“ Further restrictions introduced by the government in connection with COVID-19 ”).
What are the details of the further restrictions announced yesterday by the Prime Minister? We present them below.
Extension of passenger restrictions for private transport carrying more than 9 people including the driver
For those traveling by private vehicle with more than nine seats (including the driver's seat), a ban is in place on transporting no more than half the number of people at a time. This applies in particular to those commuting to work by private vehicle or a carrier that does not provide public transport.
Additional obligations for employers
Every workplace is required to implement additional safety measures. This applies to workstations, which must be at least 1.5 meters apart. Furthermore, regardless of the employment status, the workplace is required to provide all employees with disposable gloves or hand sanitizer. This obligation comes into effect on April 2, 2020.
Construction stores with an area exceeding 2,000 m2 are banned from trading on Saturdays and Sundays. New obligations apply to all stores.
The ban on trading on Saturdays and Sundays applies to large-scale stores whose predominant activity is the sale of construction or renovation materials.
Retail and service establishments are required to provide customers with disposable gloves or hand sanitizers. Customers are also required to wear disposable gloves.
The regulation also introduces protection for seniors over the age of 65. Only this group of people is permitted to use the services of a given retail facility between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., subject to a maximum of three people per checkout at any one time.
The provision of hotel services is only permitted for persons subject to quarantine or isolation, performing professional or official duties, and for medical personnel.
Only individuals in quarantine or isolation, individuals performing official duties (on business trips), and medical personnel are permitted to use hotel services. Importantly, all other individuals are required to vacate hotel facilities by April 2, 2020.
Prohibition on providing cosmetic and hairdressing services, rehabilitation treatments, massages and other services related to improving physical condition
Businesses providing beauty or hairdressing services are prohibited from operating in this area. This also applies to tattoo and piercing salons. It should be noted that these services cannot be provided outside of their business premises (for example, at home).
The restriction also covers the performance of rehabilitation treatments and massages, both in private and public facilities, except for situations in which discontinuation of rehabilitation may seriously deteriorate the patient's health.
Restrictions on the number of customers allowed in commercial and service facilities, at fairs and post offices
A maximum of three people per cash register or service point are permitted to enter a retail or service facility. This applies to all cash registers or checkout points within the facility. For example: A bank has two checkout points, so a maximum of six people can enter. If a store has ten checkout points, a maximum of thirty people can enter the store.
In a market or bazaar, a maximum of three people are allowed per stall, while in a post office, a maximum of two people per stall is allowed. These limits do not include staff at the facility, point, or market.
Restrictions on the movement of persons under 18 years of age
In the period from April 1, 2020 to April 11, 2020, the movement of persons under 18 years of age is only possible under the supervision of a person exercising parental authority, legal guardian or other adult.
Ban on using green areas such as parks, boulevards, promenades and other public places
As of today, a ban on using public green spaces and areas covered with vegetation is in effect, in particular: parks, green areas, promenades, boulevards, botanical gardens, zoos, Jordan Parks, and historic gardens, as well as beaches. This ban does not apply to professional activities, official duties, or non-agricultural business activities conducted in these areas pursuant to agreements concluded in this regard.
Obligation to keep a distance of 2 meters from other pedestrians
Pedestrians are required to maintain a 2-meter distance from each other. Importantly, this also applies to families and loved ones. This obligation does not apply only to parents with children under 13, people with disabilities, or people who cannot move independently due to health conditions.
Suspension of passenger transport outside the borders of the Republic of Poland by rail
The movement of passengers by rail crossing the border of the Republic of Poland is suspended until further notice.
We recommend that you adhere to the above restrictions and prohibitions, as violating them may result in a fine ranging from PLN 5,000 to PLN 30,000.
If you have any questions or doubts regarding the above, please contact our lawyers.
