New restrictions likely if virus cases rise says health minister

New restrictions could be announced on Wednesday or Friday if the number of new Covid cases increases, the health minister said on Monday.

"It is possible that new restrictions will cover some fields of economic activity," Adam Niedzielski told the RMF FM radio station on Monday.

Niedzielski added that Poland recorded 6,422 new confirmed coronavirus cases over the past 24 hours to Monday morning, and stated that "there is a visible increase in the number of new infections."

"Three days ago, there was 10-percent growth. Yesterday, it was above 25 percent. This is a clear warning signal," the minister said.

Asked whether the government might impose a lockdown as a response to the current epidemic situation, Niedzielski answered that, "if the level of vaccination coverage has reached its peak, new restrictions are the only measure to be used."

Referring to the new omicron variant, Niedzielski said that "each of us can catch it."

"In this situation, not getting vaccinated means a lack of responsibility," the minister added.

Meanwhile, a deputy health minister told a Polish Radio programme that Poland had already reported 52 omicron cases. "We believe that it may be responsible for 1.5 percent of all new cases," he said.