MoD says Polish government's response to epidemic at proper time

Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said on Monday that the Polish government "has responded to the coronavirus threat at the proper time," and declared that the situation was under control.

Blaszczak underlined that 2,500 soldiers "have been guarding Polish borders and 14 military hospitals have been at the disposal of those in need."

Asked about his opinion regarding the behaviour of Poles in the current situation and their decision to stay at home in order to reduce the spread of coronavirus, Blaszczak answered that "we have passed the test as a nation. This is fantastic behaviour, this is great responsibility and wisdom."

Substantiating his opinion that the government's response had come at the proper time, Blaszczak said that, for example, its decision to shut down schools had been taken when there were 30 confirmed cases in Poland while France had done it having recorded two thousand cases.

According to the defence minister, "the organisation of the state, which we have today, secures the effectiveness of actions in the face of a threat."

Blaszczak also recalled that Polish borders had been closed on Saturday night and added that border guards had been supported by soldiers.

"The situation is under control (...). Of course, we do not know what might happen in the future. The Polish state has been functioning, (...) the Polish state has been securing the safety of its citizens. We have been trying to do everything necessary in order to reduce the spread of the virus. Of course, we have been aware of what is going on in Europe and worldwide, and we will respond as the need arises," he said.