Polish president can’t imagine making COVID-19 jab mandatory

“I cannot imagine making the vaccination against COVID-19 compulsory in Poland,” said President Andrzej Duda on Monday, adding that it is necessary to approach the vaccination issue “as wisely as possible”, weigh “all the pros and cons” and get vaccinated.

In Budapest, Duda took part in a meeting with the presidents of Hungary and Slovakia.

During a press conference, he said it is no secret to anyone that more than 90% of people who require hospitalisation for COVID-19 are not vaccinated.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Adam Niedzielski announced new restrictions due to the spread of the Omicron variant on Monday. “We are at the apogee of the fourth wave of the pandemic,” he stressed.

The new restrictions include a ban on flights to seven African countries. The quarantine for people returning from non-Schengen countries will be extended to 14 days. Those fully vaccinated with vaccines recognised in the EU will not be required to quarantine.

Places such as churches, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, and sports venues will limit attendance to 50% from 1 to 17 December. Celebrations, such as weddings, will be allowed a maximum of 100 people, and sporting events 250.

The measures do not apply to vaccinated people.

(Paulina Borowska | EURACTIV.pl)