5.11.2020
19.10.2020
29.05.2020
CORONAVIRUS – NEWS
OBLIGATION TO COVER MOUTH AND NOSE
From May 30th, an obligation to cover mouth and nose in public space is lifted (provided that social distancing is kept). You can have a walk, ride a bike, walk in the street, in the park, on the beach or on the parking lot without a mask as long as you keep an adequate social distance (on a crowded pavement, you have to cover mouth and nose).
Parents with children up to 13 years old that require attention, people who live together, people with disabilities and people who cover their mouths and noses are excluded from the obligation to keep 2-metre social distance.
Mouth and nose should be covered in public transport, shops, cinemas, theatres, beauty parlours, massage and tattoo parlours, churches and bureaus.
There is no obligation to cover mouth and nose at work (if the employer provides adequate distances between employees and follows sanitary guidelines) and in a restaurant or a bar (once you are seated).
LIMITS ON THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN COMMERCE, GASTRONOMY AND CHURCHES LIFTED
From May 30th, limits on the number of people in the shops, markets, post offices and restaurants are lifted. This also covers churches, other places of religious worship and funerals.
GATHERINGS AND WEDDINGS UP TO 150 PEOPLE
From May 30th, it is allowed to organise open space gatherings and outdoor concerts for up to 150 people. Participants have to either cover their mouths and noses, or keep a 2-metre social distance.
It is possible to organise weddings and family celebrations for up to 150 people (without an obligation to wear a mask).
CULTURE AND SPORTS
From May 30th, it is possible to use outdoor gyms, playgrounds and small forest infrastructures.
From June 6th, cinemas, theatres, operas, ballets, swimming pools, gyms, fitness clubs, indoor playgrounds and amusement parks can reopen provided that they follow specified sanitary guidelines. It will also be possible to organise trade shows, exhibitions and congresses.
MASSAGE AND TATTOO PARLOURS
From June 6th, saunas, solariums, massage and tattoo parlours may reopen provided that they follow specified sanitary guidelines.
OPEN HOTELS
From May 30th, hotel restaurants and bars may reopen and serve food to guests.
From June 6th, hotel swimming pools, gyms and fitness clubs may reopen.
19.05.2020
CORONAVIRUS – NEWS
Border control
Border control at the internal border (with Germany, Lithuania, the Czech Republic and Slovakia) is extended by 30 days – from 14 May to 12 June. As before, it will be possible to cross the border only in designated places. Controls will also continue to be carried out in seaports and airports. At border crossings – both at the internal and external borders – restrictions for foreigners are maintained when entering Poland.
Business activity – open cosmetic and hairdressing salons and restaurants
From May 18th we can:
– use the services of beauticians and hairdressers in a way that ensures the safety of the service providers and customers (obligation to cover the mouth and nose – if the treatment allows it, use disposable towels, book your visit via telephone or online),
– go to a restaurant, café, bar, as well as in a shopping centre (in a separate food court) with safety rules (limit – 1 person per 4 m2, table disinfection after each client, 2 m distance between tables, wearing masks and gloves by employees).
Important! The guest will be able to have a meal both inside a local and in the garden.
Social life – care in schools for the youngest, consultation with teachers and changes in public transport
Care and education (from 18 May, 25 May and 1 June)
From 18 May, classes will resume:
– practical in post-secondary schools,
– revalidation and early developmental support and specialist revalidation.
Also institutions and facilities with accommodation, care and educational activities will be opened (youth hostels, sports centres or community centres).
From 25 May, care and educational activities in grades 1-3 of primary school will be resumed (they can be combined with teaching activities).
Important! The care benefit for parents of children under 8 years old is extended.
From 1 June, the consultation with teachers for other students from all subjects will be resumed in schools.
Important! From 17 May children under 13 years of age will be able to leave the house without an adult guardian!
Public transport (from 18 May)
From 18 May, more people will be able to travel by bus, subway or tram at the same time:
– As many as half of the seats (as before)
– As much as 30% of the total number of seats and standing places (in this case, however, half the seats must remain free).
Religious celebrations (from 17 May)
During religious ceremonies there must be 10 m2 space per 1 person.
Sport (from 18 May)
Increased limits for people who can practice in open sports facilities:
– on stadiums, playgrounds, ski jumping hills, tracks, skateparks – maximum 14 people (+ 2 coaches);
– on open full-size football pitches – maximum 22 people (+ 4 coaches).
In sports halls it will be able to practice simultaneously:
– 12 people + coach (in facilities up to 300 m2),
– 16 people + 2 coaches (in facilities from 301 to 800 m2),
– 24 people + 2 coaches (in facilities from 801 to 1000 m2),
– 32 people + 3 coaches (in facilities over 1000 m2).
Culture (from 18 May)
Allowed will be:
– open-air cinema (including car cinemas),
– work on the film sets (including sanitary rigour),
– phonographic and audiovisual recordings in cultural institutions,
– individual classes at art schools,
– rehearsals and exercises.
PARTICIPANTS (from 25 May)
Resumed will be:
– classes for final year students,
– classes that can't be conducted remotely.
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REOPENING OF GDANSK KINDERGARTENS IN GDANSK
On May 18th, all kindergarten units in primary schools and almost all kindergartens have been reopened. Only two units, no. 48 and 77, will remain closed.
On May 21st, care in nurseries will be continued.
The guidelines, which parents should take into account already today, indicate that they should:
– inform the headmaster about relevant information on the health of the child,
– provide a child, if he or she is over 4 years old, with an individual nose and mouth protective mask on the way to and from the kindergarten or nursery,
– bring a healthy child to the facility – no symptoms,
– not send a child to kindergarten if there is someone in quarantine or isolation at home (then everyone must stay at home and follow the instructions of the sanitary service and doctor),
– make sure that a child do not take unnecessary objects or toys to kindergarten
– regularly remind a child of the basic principles of hygiene and that he or she should avoid touching his or her eyes, nose and mouth.
***
The Association for Legal Intervention has prepared a list of frequently asked questions, which they receive during telephone consultations.
This is how the FAQ on labour law, necessary documents, benefits and the working procedures of the institutions was created – you can find it by clicking on the link below.
We would also like to remind you that the association offers remote consultations at 880 145 372 from Monday to Friday from 15.00-16.00.
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Action #GdanskAid helps institutions and individuals who are affected by the epidemic or are unable of functioning.
The institutions we want to help include hospitals, care centres and orphanages.
On a specially created website gdanskpomaga.pl you can:
– by filling in the form, report what kind of help you need,
– by filling in the form, report information about the material resources you want to donate,
– make a donation,
– give the computer to the students in need,
– give the masks to the medics,
– inform that you have the products necessary to fight COVID-19,
– join to the order for personal protective equipment,
– apply for sew masks for a payment,
– find a list of supporting operations that you can support,
– find a list of institutions that provide remote support.
Join the profile Gdańsk Pomaga – let's help together!
***
For foreigners living in Gdańsk and Pomerania, a crisis hotline as well as special platform have been launched, to help them search for employment. Progressively, further services will be launched: among others, professional counseling and psychological assistance.
At 517 056 260 and the e-mail address pomoc@metropoliagdansk.pl, immigrants can obtain information about access to support services in several languages.
As part of the support in searching for employment, on the Live more. Pomerania' portal every migrant can drop his or her CV and then contact the local employer. Details: livemorepomerania.com/work.
6.05.2020
Second stage of lifting coronavirus restrictions – opening the following facilities:
From 4th May:
- shopping malls (1 person in every 15 m2, recreation and restaurant space remains closed)
- construction shops at weekends
- hotels and other short-stay accommodation (with some limitations)
- certain public cultural institutions (libraries, museums and art galleries)
- medical rehabilitation centres
- the borders will be open to cross border workers, students and pupils from Lithuania, Germany, Czech Republic and Slovakia without a 14-day quarantine
From 6th May:
- nurseries and kindergartens (for children of working parents who cannot take care of them)
Find more details at:
https://ocalenie.org.pl/aktualnosci/koronawirus
https://www.facebook.com/138059122894658/posts/3214344565266083/
***
Change in the working conditions of foreigners due to COVID-19
The Council of Ministers has adopted a draft of another act aimed at counteracting the negative effects of the SARS-CoV-2 virus epidemic. It provides for, among others, the introduction to the current anti-crisis law of the possibility of changing the conditions of work for foreigners.
The new provision will allow foreigners to work under conditions other than those specified in:
– temporary residence and work permits
– temporary residence permit for the purpose of highly qualified employment
– work permits
– seasonal work permits
– declaration on entrusting work to a foreigner, which have been entered in the register of declarations
– temporary residence permits for the purpose of performing work under the intra-corporate transfer (ICT)
– temporary residence permits for the long-term mobility of a managerial staff member, specialist or trainee under the intra-corporate transfer (mobile-ICT)
– documents attached to notices about the intention of foreigners to use the short-term mobility of a managerial staff member, specialist or trainee as part of the intra-corporate transfer
without the need to obtain new permits, change them or enter new declarations in the register.
27.04.2020
Statement of benefits
In this difficult time, due to prevention, counteracting and combating COVID-19, additional forms of assistance are available. Some new residents of Gdańsk can also benefit. The availability of benefits depends on meeting by an applicant the criteria set out in the law. This is verified by the particular institution, on a case-by-case basis.
– All foreigners, legally residing in Poland, have access to the benefit described in point No 10.
– Access to all other benefits have foreigners residing legally in Poland: on the basis of refugee status and subsidiary protection as well as their members of family who received temporary residence permit on the basis of family reunification; on the basis of permanent permit and long-term resident of the EU permit – also issued by other EU countries; citizens of EU and member states of EEA, EFTA and Swiss Confederation and their residing with them family members. Some foreigners do not have access to all the forms of support.
– The benefits described in paragraphs 1 to 5 shall also be granted to holders of tolerated and humanitarian stay permit as well as victims of human trafficking – those have also access to the benefit No 6.
– Access to benefits No 7-9 and 11-15 have to be discussed with your employer.
– Assistance in filling in the forms offers: Centrum Wsparcia Imigrantów i Imigrantek – Skype: 512 949 109. The submission of an application does not mean that benefit is granted.
A file with the list of benefits: Statement of benefits
20.04.2020
New normality: the stages of lifting the restrictions associated with coronavirus
From today, 20th April 2020, the first stage of lifting restrictions related to coronavirus is introduced - some safety rules will change:
- more people will do shopping in the store at one time,
- you will be able to use forests and parks for recreational purposes,
- adolescents over 13 years of age will be able to move without adult supervision.
The process of total lifting of restrictions will take place in four stages, the dates of which will be set successively after regular analysis of the increase in the number of cases, efficiency of healthcare and implementation of sanitary guidelines.
However, to maintain maximum safety, everyone has rules which must become the basis of a new normality for us:
- maintaining a 2-meter distance from others in public space,
- mandatory covering of the nose and mouth in public places,
- maintaining work and distance education wherever possible,
- strict compliance with sanitary rules in places where people are gathered (disinfection and maintaining a proper distance),
- quarantine and isolation for infected or potentially infected persons.
***
Because of the SARS-Cov-2 coronavirus epidemic and the lack of access to medical services for deaf people from 1 April 2020 Polish Association of the Deaf thanks to the funds received from PGNiG Foundation and the support of Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy, provides the deaf with free, round-the-clock support of sign language interpreters.
To arrange an on-line consultation with a primary care physician, call an ambulance, call the NFZ hotline or get information about the quarantine, you can use one of three contact options.
- On-line Translator App: http://pzg.warszawa.pl/koronawirus/
- Skype: Koronavirus - Tłumacz PJM (can also be found via biuro@pzg.warszawa.pl)
- IMO Communicator: telephone number 609 939 564
The online interpreter service can be used by deaf people as well as medical personnel of clinics and hospitals.
Read more on: https://www.pzg.org.pl/.
***
Coronavirus outbreak – extension of national visas and traveling around the Schengen area.
In connection with the current epidemiological situation, on 31 March 2020, the Act providing, inter alia, for extension of the period of validity of “D” national visas entered into force. The government of the Republic of Poland has notified the introduction of this solution to the European Commission and other countries so that foreigners with extended Polish visas can move around the Schengen area. However, until we verify the position of individual countries, this does not constitute a guarantee that your visas will be recognized and that you will be able to enter these countries’ territory.
For more details – read the article: https://bit.ly/2xBTpH4
10.04.2020
CORONAVIRUS: SAFETY RULES WILL APPLY FOR LONGER
Mandatory face coverings from 16 April:
- Beginning April 16th, mouth and nose coverings are mandatory when walking in public, being in offices, shops or at work – it can be protective masks, as well as scarves or handkerchief.
Schools:
- The Matura exams and the School exams are postponed and take place in June at the earliest. Specific dates will be given at least three weeks in advance.
- All schools will be closed until Sunday 26 April. By that time the schools are obliged to provide remote teaching.
The current safety rules are prolonged:
Until Sunday, 19 April, the following rules still apply:
- Restrictions on movement;
- Minors under the age of 18 are not allowed outside without a parent or guardian.
- Restrictions on religious events - up to 5 people can stay in churches at the same time. The rule also applies on Easter holidays!
- Restrictions on the functioning of shopping malls and large building shops;
- Public and private transport will continue to operate with limited capacity. Only half of the seats in vehicles larger than 9 seats may be occupied.
- Suspension of hair salons, beauticians, tattoo studios, etc.
- Parks, forests, beaches, boulevards, promenades are closed and city bikes are not allowed.
- Restaurants are closed.
- Restrictions on the number of persons in shops, markets and post offices
- Restrictions on the activities of cultural institutions (cinemas, theatres, etc.).
Until Sunday, 26 April, the following rules still apply:
- Closure of nurseries, pre-schools, schools and universities.
- Suspension of all international passenger air and rail travel (inbound and outbound).
Until Sunday, 3 May, the following rules still apply:
- Closure of borders (the right to cross the Polish border is still available for polis citizens, foreigners who are spouses or children of polish citizens, people with permanent or temporary residence as well as work permissions).
- Obligatory quarantine for people coming from abroad.
Until further notice, the following rules still apply:
- Restrictions on the organization of mass events and gatherings.
07.04.2020
What is a coronavirus? What is a COVID-19? What are the symptoms of COVID-19? Is there a vaccine, drug or treatment for COVID-19? Who is at risk of developing severe illness? And most of all, what can I do to protect myself and prevent the spread of disease?
IOM Italy – OIM - Ufficio di Coordinamento per il Mediterraneo has done an amazing job and put all the answers to these questions together producing multi-language informative leaflets in 28 languages: Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Bambara, Bengali, Chinese, Edo, English, Esan-Ishan, French, Fula, Georgian, Hausa, Igbo, Italian, Kurdish-Sorani, Mandinka, Pashto, Pidgin, Romanian, Russian, Somali, Soninke, Spanish, Tigrinya, Urdu, Wolof and Yoruba.
To download the leaflets follow this link: https://bit.ly/2wUNQTM and click on the desired language on the list of attachments.
Let’s all spread these highly important information to raise awareness of coronavirus.
04.04.2020
Next steps in the fight against coronavirus and related to them new government regulations.
Restrictions on the number of customers in stores, markets or at the post office.
– Shops and retail and service facilities – 3 people for checkout
– Marketplace – 3 customers per 1 trading point
– Post offices – 2 people for 1 post box
Limiting the functioning of DIY stores.
– Large-scale DIY stores will be closed on weekends.
New obligations for all stores.
– All customers have to shop in disposable gloves
– From 10:00 to 12:00, shops, retail and service facilities accept and serve only people over 65 years (so-called „Hours for the senior).
Important!
– Petrol stations are excluded from the so-called "Hours for the senior"
– Pharmacies from 10.00 to 12.00 will also serve those for whom the purchase of a drug or food for special purposes is necessary due to a sudden threat to life or health.
Closed hotels, hostels, B&Bs.
– Hotels and other accommodation (such as hostels or B&Bs – operating on a short-term rental basis) are closed.
Notice!
– These places may remain open only to: people in quarantine or isolation, medical personnel, people on a business trips, or people who were accommodated before March 31.
Automatic quarantine for loved ones in quarantine.
– Everyone who lives with quarantined person will be quarantined too.
Suspending rehabilitation and closing hairdresser’s and beauty salons.
– These services will also not be available outside the showrooms with the exceptions in which medical rehabilitation is absolutely required by the patient's state of health.
2 meters – minimum distance between pedestrians.
Notice!
– These also apply to families and loved ones.
– Excluded from this obligation are only: parents with children up to 13 years of age, disabled persons, unable to move independently, persons with a certificate of need for special education and their guardians.
It is forbidden to leave home for people under 18 without adult supervision.
No use of parks, beaches, boulevards, promenades and city bikes.
Passenger limit introduced on 9+ vehicles.
– The rule "as many passengers as half of the seating positions in the vehicle" – is a requirement and also covers vehicles with more than 9 seating positions, including private transport.
Workplaces – additional security measures for employees.
– Employees must wear gloves or have access to disinfectant fluids.
– The distance between individual workplaces must be at least 1.5m.
Offices work remotely.
Please note that other restrictions still apply.
Closed:
– day care centres, kindergartens, schools and universities – some institutions are now providing e-learning for students until Easter
– malls and shopping centres (however, grocery stores, pharmacies, drugstores, banks and laundries located there will be open)
– restaurants, bars and cafés (they can provide delivery and takeaway services)
– gyms, swimming pools, dance clubs, fitness studios, casinos, museums, libraries, cinemas and theatres
– international air and railway transport, as well as domestic air transport has been suspended
Open:
– clothing, jewellery, cosmetics and hardware stores, as well as other shops outside malls (unless the owner decides to close)
– banks and financial institutions’ offices
– post offices (office hours are shorter; locations in malls are closed)
– petrol stations
– domestic coach and railway transport continues to operate normally
3.04.2020
Coronavirus epidemic – special rules for foreigners
New regulations will enable legal stay in Poland for persons who wish to continue it for the current purpose of stay, as well as those who cannot leave Poland due to the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2.
The following will be prolonged until the end of the 30th day after the date of repealing of the state of epidemic:
- foreigners’ legal stay on the basis of a national visa, or under a temporary residence permit, which would expire during the state of epidemic threat or the state of epidemic;
- deadline for submitting stay legalisation applications;
- validity of already issued work permits, seasonal work permits and declarations of entrusting work to a foreigner.
Moreover, the following deadlines will be postponed:
- for foreigners to leave the territory of Poland;
- of voluntary return – those deadlines specified in the decisions obliging the foreigner to return.
Detailed information can be found here: https://bit.ly/2JujN86
You can also get familiar with the changes using infographics in Polish, English, Ukrainian and Russian.
Remote education
Education during the coronavirus thread may be challenging, but Miasto Gdańsk has a solution for students and teachers to learn online through Gdansk Educational Platform.
In the current situation, it enables students, parents and teachers to easily and quickly access multimedia resources, current information on learning results and even to perform tests remotely.
However, we understand that this new situation raises many questions:
How to log in? How to join a class in Microsoft Teams? Is it possible to participate in the lesson using phone or tablet?
Answers to these questions and other interesting information about using the resources on Gdansk Educational Platform can be found on EduStandardGDN TV profile on YouTube.
Below we provide you with a step-by-step video about logging into the platform – with English transcript.
English speaking students and parents will also find many valuable tips on Microsoft Education profile. For example, here is a video about signing into Microsoft Teams for the first time if you are a student: https://bit.ly/2QWuAMn
27.03.2020
CORONAVIRUS: YOUR EMPLOYEE RIGHTS
In this post we will discuss topics concerning:
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organization of work and payment of remuneration in the event of closure of a business or suspension of its activities,
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sick leave,
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occupational health and safety (OHS).
Closing of the enterprise or suspension of its activities.
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The employer may entrust you with remote work and you receive full pay (under the Special Act).
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You have the right to get remuneration for the period of inactivity (so-called "parking"), in accordance with art. 81 of the Labor Code, in the situation of suspension, limitation or closure of the enterprise are caused for reasons beyond the control of the employer and employee.
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The spread of coronavirus is such a circumstance.
You will get:
- 100% of remuneration, understood as holiday leave
- 60% of the remuneration if the contract does not specify a specific amount per hour or monthly wage
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Because of the downtime, your employer may entrust you with the performance of a job that may not be defined in your position. In such case, the remuneration for this work cannot be lower than your standard salary paid under normal circumstances.
Quarantine, sick leave, referral to a hospital.
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If you are quarantined by a health officer, you have the right to hospital allowance of 80% of your salary.
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If your doctor provides you with a sick leave, you are also entitled to benefits in 80% of your salary.
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If you are in a hospital, you will receive 70% of your salary.
Care allowance.
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If you are looking after a child up to 8 years old and the school, kindergarten or nursery is
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closed due to coronavirus, you are entitled to additional care allowance, but only if you have health insurance and other family members cannot take over care.
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Note: On March 20, the government extended the payment of childcare allowance for parents by 14 days.
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To receive the benefit, you must submit a statement to your contribution payer, e.g. employer, ordered or payer - the contribution payer submits the insured's declaration to ZUS [Social Insurance Institution]
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Declaration can be downloaded from: https://www.zus.pl/baza-wiedzy/biezace-wyjasnienia-komorek-merytorycznych/swiadczenia/-/publisher/details/1/dodatkowy-zasilek-opiekunczy-na-czas-opieki-nad-dzieckiem-w-zwiazku-z-zamknieciem-z-powodu-covid-19-zlobka-klubu-dzieciecego-przedszkola-szkoly/2537033
Occupational Health and Safety, personal protective equipment, the possibility of refusal work admission.
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The employer shall provide employees with risk mitigation measures coronavirus infection.
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The employer is obliged to provide additional personal protective equipment (masks, gloves, antibacterial gels) for employees who have frequent contact with people in industries such as: trade, gastronomy, public transport, education, care, healthcare and administration.
People working on the basis of civil law contracts (civil-legal agreement, order contract, contract for performance of a specific task) and self-employed.
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In these cases, the regulations do not oblige the employer to pay for downtime. Depending on the nature of the work, it is possible to organize remote work - especially if the contract does not specify the workplace.
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If you decide on individual insurance, you will get the right to benefit sick pay on the same terms as in the case of the employment contract and care allowance for a child up to 8 years of age.
More details:
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https://pl.naszwybir.pl/koronawirus-w-polsce-poradnik-dla-pracownikow-i-pracownic/ (Polish / Ukrainian)
If you have any Questions you may contact us directly at
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@Centrum Wsparcia Imigrantek i Imigrantów: Messenger, mobile: 512 949 109, e-mail: julia.szawlowska@cwii.org.pl (Russian), klaudia.iwicka@cwii.org.pl (Polish/English), maria.darul@cwii.org.pl (Polish/English),
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@IOM Międzynarodowa Organizacja do Spraw Migracji - Agenda ONZ ds.Migracji: Messenger, phone: 22 490 20 44 (Polish/English/Ukrainian/Russian)
WHAT IS OPEN AND WHAT IS CLOSED IN GDAŃSK?
As state of epidemic has been declared in Poland, there are naturally many questions as to which places are closed and which are still open.
Closed:
- day care centres, kindergartens, schools and universities – some institutions are now providing e-learning for students until Easter
- malls and shopping centres (however, grocery stores, pharmacies, drugstores, banks and laundries located there will be open)
- restaurants, bars and cafés (they can provide delivery and takeaway services)
- gyms, swimming pools, dance clubs, fitness studios, casinos, museums, libraries, cinemas and theatres
International air and railway transport, as well as domestic air transport has been suspended.
Gdańsk City Hall (Urząd Miejski), Teams of Citizen Affairs (zespół obsługi mieszkańców), Gdańsk Labour Office (Gdański Urząd Pracy), Tax Offices (Urząd Skarbowy) and other municipal institutions have limited direct customer service. Details available in Polish: https://www.gdansk.pl/wiadomosci/koronawirus-zmiana-zasad-obslugi-klientow-w-urzedach-i-miejskich-podmiotach,a,166666
Open:
- clothing, jewellery, cosmetics and hardware stores, as well as other shops outside malls (unless the owner decides to close)
- banks and financial institutions’ offices
- post offices (office hours are shorter; locations in malls are closed)
- petrol stations
Domestic coach and railway transport continues to operate normally.
THE SITUATION IN GDAŃSK
Are you wondering what kinds of changes have been introduced in Gdańsk to minimise the risk of coronavirus spreading? See the list below.
- direct customer service has been suspended by the City Hall (Urząd Miejski), all Teams of Citizen Affairs (zespół obsługi mieszkańców) and the city’s organisational units: https://www.gdansk.pl/wiadomosci/koronawirus-zmiana-zasad-obslugi-klientow-w-urzedach-i-miejskich-podmiotach,a,166666
- all mass events organised by the City, as well as sports matches have been cancelled; cultural institutions have been closed.
- beginning with 23 March, parking within the paid zone near Uniwersyteckie Centrum Kliniczne (UCK, University Clinical Centre) is now free of charge; this applies to the following streets: Skłodowskiej-Curie, Dębinki and Smoluchowskiego.
- with the safety of passengers and drivers in mind, tickets can no longer be purchased from drivers; the same applies to ZTM customer service locations. Bus and tram doors open automatically, and vehicles are thoroughly disinfected every day.
- the Public Transport Authority of Gdańsk (Zarząd Transportu Miejskiego, ZTM) now provides more frequent runs during morning rush hours – sometimes two vehicles at the same time. Services 7, 8, 10, T8, 111, 154, 200, 232 and 256 operate more often during morning rush hours. To help maintain social distancing, certain morning rush hours runs will be operated by two vehicles simultaneously – for the following lines: 2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 111, 115, 124, 127, 132, 148, 154, 158/258, 162, 167, 168, 175, 199, 210 and 227. More information: www.ztm.gda.pl
- from 25 March on, holders of personal season tickets, as well as of the Gdańsk Citizen’s Card (Karta Mieszkańca), can use the SKM trains, Pomorska Kolej Metropolitalna (PKM) trains and POLREGIO trains – within the city limits of Gdańsk More information: https://bit.ly/3dpH2hb
- assistance measures – Gdańsk Enterprises Support Programme (Gdański Pakiet Wsparcia Przedsiębiorców): https://www.gdansk.pl/wiadomosci/koronawirus-gdanski-program-wsparcia-przedsiebiorcow,a,166934
- food aid for those in need is available – call 500 218 337 during day hours
Please let us know if you have other questions about the situation in Gdańsk!
25.03.2020
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
We would like to remind you that diagnostics and treatment in case of suspicion of coronavirus are free of charge. Regardless of your country of origin, citizenship and whether you have insurance or not. In the case of coronavirus all citizens and foreigners have free medical care.
Typical symptoms of COVID-19 infection: fever, coughing, dyspnea, muscle pain and tiredness.
If you find such symptoms and suspect that you may be infected, contact the nearest sanitary and epidemiological station as soon as possible. Each station has a 24/7 emergency call, you will find it on their websites. It is important to avoid contact with other people until you receive help.
Provincial Sanitary and Epidemiological Station in Gdańsk: www.wsse.gda.pl
Coronavirus hotline: open on weekdays from 7:30 to 15:00, 58 77 63 444
Emergency call: (+48) 605 602 195
Symptoms such as fever above 38°C, accompanied by cough or shortness of breath require immediate consultation in a hospital for infectious diseases:
- Gdańsk, Pomeranian Centre for Infectious Diseases and Tuberculosis, 18 Mariana Smoluchowskiego Street
Telephone: 58 341 40 41, 58 341 40 42, 58 341 40 43, 58 341 40 44 - Gdynia, University Centre of Marine and Tropical Medicine, 9B Powstania Styczniowego Street
Emergency call: 58 699-85-78 - List of hospitals all over Poland: www.gov.pl/web/koronawirus/lista-szpitali
You can get more information about the coronavirus by calling the 24-hour NFZ hotline: 800 190 590. Information is provided in Polish and English.
BORDERS CLOSURE / STAYING IN POLAND
In order to limit the risk of the spread of coronavirus, the Polish government decided to close the country's borders and limit international traffic. The situation has been in force since 15 March for 10 days, but the period may also be extended.
International flights and railway connections have been suspended. Moreover, border controls have been restored. Domestic bus, rail and air transport is functioning normally and transport of goods also runs as usual.
A temporary entry ban concerns foreigners. However, some of them can still come to Poland. These include: spouses of Polish citizens, children of Polish citizens, people with the Polish Charter, people having a permanent or temporary residence or a work permission.
NOTE: the entry ban does not mean that you cannot leave Poland! However, this will be more difficult due to the suspension of international railway connections and air traffic restrictions. Land border crossing points are still open. You can check the current situation on the borders here: https://granica.gov.pl/?v=pl
Is your visa or a residence permit expiring soon?
Information from the Department of Foreigners of the Pomeranian Voivodeship Office in Gdańsk:
People whose residence permit in Poland is about to expire should fill in and send by post (with confirmation of receipt) a new application for temporary residence (available for download here: https://cudzoziemcy.gov.pl/pliki-do-pobrania/). The stay from the date of sending the application to the Voivodeship Office, due to article 108, paragraph 1, point 2 in the Act on Foreigners, is legal - foreigners do not have to leave Poland and they will not be charged for illegal stay.
As stated by the Office for Foreigners: foreigners who for reasons that are beyond their control cannot leave the territory of Poland may apply for a visa extension or for a temporary residence permit due to circumstances requiring a short stay – part C of the application form (main purpose of stay – no option should be marked.)
- After the Voivodship Office calls for giving fingerprints, the purpose of stay and all indicated attachments will be completed.
- During this time these foreigners may work – only if they have a work permit, a declaration of assignment or under special regulations.
- It is important that the application form indicates correct address and telephone number to allow Voivodeship Office to easily make contact and arrange a visit.
- Also no fee for a residence card should be paid.
More information (also available in other languages):
- https://udsc.gov.pl/skladanie-wnioskow-za-posrednictwem-poczty/?fbclid=IwAR0r_6eOn8cTd4s8f72KiqdKsU5KZG3RRiLPs13Rq7bW7rDvK9Wi6O4uuCY
- https://interwencjaprawna.pl/koronawirus-informacje-dla-cudzoziemcow/?fbclid=IwAR0dtFGi_c6ws2S98kSDWI-LOd2yNsroDE-ZExFo_KyYZp6W_QcjY-0nJK4
Support on issues related to legalisation of the stay and work is also provided by IOM Międzynarodowa Organizacja do Spraw Migracji - Agenda ONZ ds. Migracji. The hotline in Polish, English, Ukrainian and Russian is available at: 22 490 20 44.
CORONAVIRUS: NEW SAFETY RULES
Here's a summary of the new safety rules introduced by the Polish government and obligatory from 25 March to 11 April:
Restrictions on moving freely except for domestic, health and professional purposes.
This restriction does not apply:
Going to work: if you work, run a business or farm, you have the right to go to your work. You also have the right to go to buy goods and services related to your professional activity.
Volunteering: if you help in the fight against coronavirus and help people in quarantine or those who should not leave home, you can move as part of this activity.
Getting things done for everyday life: you will be able to go to do the necessary shopping, buy medicine, go to the doctor, take care of relatives, walk your dog.
Important!
You will only be able to move in a group of up to two people. This restriction does not apply to families.
Public transport passenger limits.
Only half the seats on a bus, tram or subway can be occupied - do not take a seat next to another passenger.
Absolute ban on gatherings.
No meetings, meetings, parties or gatherings.
You may only meet with your closest ones.
Safety rules during religious ceremonies.
No more than 5 people will be allowed to attend a mass or other religious ritual at the same time - excluding those in the service.
Important!
We encourage you to participate in religious events via television, radio or the Internet.
Workplaces.
The number of people is not applicable to companies.
However, they should follow the strict recommendations of the General Sanitary Inspectorate on keeping the distance between workers and the disinfection products.
Other restrictions still apply.
The activity of shopping malls, gastronomy and entertainment remains limited.
There is still an obligatory 14-day quarantine for those returning from abroad.
PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT
In the current situation do you feel the need to get psychological support or professional advice? Here is a list of contacts where you can get free advice – in different languages.
Immigrant Support Centre (Cantrum Wsparcia Imigrantów i Imigrantek) – remote consultation on stay legalization:
- Telephone: 512 949 109
- E-mail:
julia.szawlowska@cwii.org.pl (Russian)
klaudia.iwicka@cwii.org.pl (Polish, English)
maria.darul@cwii.org.pl (Polish, English)
- Messenger
- Skype - 512 949 109:
Monday: 12.00-16.00 (Polish and English), 16.00-20.00 (Polish and Russian)
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10.00-14.00 (Polish and English), 14.00-18.00 (Polish and Russian)
Friday: 10.00-16.00 (Polish and English)
IOM International Organisation for Migration - United Nations Migration Agenda (IOM Międzynarodowa Organizacja do Spraw Migracji - Agenda ONZ ds. Migracji) – assistance in matters relating to stay and work legalization.
- Telephone: 22 490 20 44 (Polish, English, Ukrainian and Russian)
Caritas of the Archdiocese of Gdansk (Caritas Archidiecezji Gdańskiej) – support for people from outside the EU: advising on obtaining a work permit and stay legalization, legal assistance, therapeutic/psychological support, consultation and support of a professional advisor, free regular and certified translations, short-term childcare (Polish, English, Ukrainian, Russian).
Gdańsk
- E-mail: pi-gdansk@caritas.gda.pl, mohiienko@caritas.gda.pl
- Telephone: 533 327 348
Gdynia
- E-mail: pi-gdynia@caritas.gda.pl, imalinowska@caritas.gda.pl
- Telephone: 533 327 359
Other cities: bit.ly/2UpCbUv
Institute of Psychology University of Gdansk (Instytut Psychologii Uniwersytet Gdański) – psychological assistance not only for students (Polish and English).
- E-mail: agata.rudnik@ug.edu.pl
- Skype: agata.rudnik7
Faculty of Law University of Gdańsk (Wydział Prawa Uniwersytet Gdański) – legal and academic assistance for students (Polish and English).
- E-mail: Aleksander Piskorz, rsswpia.ug@gmail.com
Society's psychologists and psychotherapists (Psychologowie i psychoterapeuci dla społeczeństwa) – help due the epidemic thread (Polish and English)
- WWW: bit.ly/3djxFja
National Health Fund (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia) – 24-hour hotline (Polish and English).
- Telephone: 800 190 590
Municipal Family Assistance Centre in Gdańsk (Miejski Ośrodek Pomocy Rodzinie w Gdańsku) – free, 24-hour psychological consultations (Polish).
- Telephone: 58 511 01 21, 58 511 01 22
School Complex No. 8 in Gdańsk (Zespół Szkół Ogólnokształcących nr 8 w Gdańsku) – virtual psychological and pedagogical office (Polish language).
- Telephones:
798 498 118 or 695 276 199 (10:00-16:00)
697 639 433 or 513 854 715 (16:00-22:00)
