In connection with the coronavirus epidemic, restrictions have been introduced on economic activity and personal freedoms which are unprecedented in the history of adoption and application of law in Poland since 1989. Even now it is evident that the coronavirus epidemic will touch on all sectors of the economy. The restrictions introduced so far have resulted in practically halting all activity in gastronomy, tourism, entertainment, and retail and services at shopping malls and large-format stores.[Update of 3 April 2020]The scope of the restrictions has gradually tightened. First the Anti-Crisis Act was adopted on 2 March 2020 (Act on Specific Solutions for Preventing, Counteracting and Combating COVID-19). On 13 March the Minister of Health declared astate of epidemiological threat in Poland, then on 20 March astate of epidemic. Aregulation of the Council of Ministers establishing certain restrictions, requirements and prohibitions in connection with the state of epidemic entered into force on 1 April 2020.Under the regulation, certain forms of commercial activity and certain personal freedoms of citizens relevant for the possibility of conducting business have been restricted until further notice. The main ones are discussed below.
Ban on activity increasing the risk of coronavirus infection
Under the regulation, atotal ban was adopted on certain forms of activity (gainful or not), including among other things:- Preparation and serving of food and beverages to third parties for on-site consumption (Polish Classification of Activities code PKD 56.10.A), as well as consumption and serving of beverages (PKD 56.30), but excluding preparation and serving of food for takeaway or delivery, and excluding restaurant and bar activity in means of transport
- Organising, conducting and staffing events such as fairs, exhibitions, conferences and meetings (PKD 82.30.Z), artistic activity connected with collective forms of culture and entertainment (PKD 90.0), and projection of films or videos at cinemas or in open space (PKD 59.14.Z)
- Activity involving sport, entertainment and recreation, in particular operating meeting places, clubs, including nightclubs and fitness clubs, swimming pools and gyms (PKD 93.0), and operating casinos
- Hotel services and tour guide services, as well as operation of tourist lodging facilities and other locations for short-term lodging (PKD 55.20)
- Operation of libraries, archives and museums (PKD 91.0)
- Operation of health resorts, as well as haircare services and other cosmetic procedures (PKD 96.02.Z).
- Retail trade by owners and tenants of retail space, except for those whose primary business involves the sale of food, cosmetics, toiletries, cleaning products, medicinal products (including products sold at pharmacies and pharmaceutical locations), medical devices, newspapers, construction and renovation supplies, pet supplies, and fuels
- Service activity by owners and tenants of service space, except for those whose primary business involves performance of medical, banking, insurance, postal, laundry or gastronomic (limited to food preparation and delivery) services.
- A ban on movement by all persons in Poland in matters other than satisfying current needs of life, except for movement for performance of professional activities or official tasks, non-agricultural economic activity, agricultural activity, or work on afarm
- A ban on rail travel by passengers crossing the Polish border
- Mandatory quarantine for persons crossing the Polish border to reach their place of domicile or residence in Poland, except for crossing the border to perform professional activities in aneighbouring state or in Poland, including by the crew of aircraft or seacraft and drivers in road transport and international transport.