Coronavirus in Krakow: Travel info & Impact on tours

In connection with coronavirus spread in Poland, further restrictions has been introduced around the country. On the 31 th of March, Polish government announced new mandatory regulations in order to mitigate the virus. The restrictions apply to every person staying in the country right now and they will remain in force until further notice.

It there coronavirus in Krakow?

Yes, there have been new confirmed cases in Krakow since past two weeks. The number is changing very quickly and it probably will rise during next few weeks. All hospitals in Krakow are struggling with difficult situation and do everything to secure citizens and visitors of Krakow. The mayor of the city – Jacek Majchrowski addressed all Krakow residents to stay calm and stick to all new rules in order to stop the coronavirus spread.

Tours and tourist attractions

Unfortunately, all Krakow attractions and public places must remain close until further notice. Similarly, all tours inside and outside Krakow have been cancelled or postponed. All cultural institution, tour operators and travel agencies in Krakow observe the situation and will inform about further suspensions on the daily basis. All new restrictions imposed on all Polish cities are to provide safety of its citizens.

Krakow Public transport restrictions

In order to prevent from further virus spread, there are strict limitations applying to Krakow public transport.

Every bus and tram in the city can drive with the maximum number of passengers that do not exceed the half of all seats in the vehicle.

Additionally, all doors in trams and buses are opened automatically in order to avoid spread of bacteria.

New restrictions in Poland – how should we behave?

1. Restrictions on the number of clients in shops, on markets and in post offices.

– There can be only 3 customers for each cash register in the shop at one time. It applies to all shops, including small grocery stores.

– The number of people at the markets cannot exceed the triple of market stand with cash register.

– The number of people inside a post office cannot exceed the double of counters.

2. New rules in all shops (including supermarkets)

– All customers must wear disposable gloves.

– All shops and pharmacies can only serve customers over 65 years old between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm. Before and after that time all customers can be served.

3. Hotel and hostels closure

– All hotels and short-term rental accommodation are closed. Only people under quarantine as well as medical staff can stay there.

– All reservation in hotels are cancelled until further notice.

4. All beauty and hair salons as well as massage or tattoo parlours are closed.

5. Bikes and scooters

– All scooter and bike rental services are close. – You can you your personal bike or scooter but only if it’s necessary.

6. Movement restrictions

– All children and adolescents under 18 can’t leave their homes, unless they are under the supervision of an adult.

– You can leave your home without a supervisor to do the necessary activities such as essential shopping, medical appointment or exercising with a dog.

7. Open public places closure

– All parks, beaches, boulevards, green public spaces and promenades are closed.

8. 2- meters rule

– All pedestrians must keep 2-meters distance between each other. This also applies to friends and families.

– Only mothers with children under 13 and disabled people are excluded from this regulation.

9. Public transport limitations

– The maximum number of passengers in a bus or tram cannot be bigger than the overall number of seats inside the vehicle.

State of epidemic in Poland

On Friday (20th March) Poland has declared the state of epidemic in the country. In result, borders will stay close for everybody. Also, all international flights and trains are currently suspended. What does Ministry of Health in Poland Polish Health Minister – Łukasz Szumowski, appealed not to panic, avoid public gatherings and to follow the sanitary instructions:

• Wash your hand often with water and soap

• Cover your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing

• Keep at least 1 meter distance between yourself and people who cough or sneeze

• Stay at home as much as it’s possible, avoid public places.

• Take care of older people, they are especially exposed to virus infections.

He also emphasizes that absolutely everyone who had contact with a sick person must remains under 14-days quarantine at home. The penalty for not complying with quarantine regulations is 30.000 PLN.

You’ll find the list of countries with confirmed cases of the virus here: who.int, ecdc.europa.eu.k

Poland’s Ministry of Health informs about current situation at the official website.