Poland's Health Ministry to declare health emergency

Health Minister Łukasz Szumowski said on Thursday that he was about to issue a regulation introducing a state of epidemic threat in Poland that could limit travel and introduce other restrictions.

"Yesterday, WHO declared a pandemic (due to the coronavirus spread - PAP). I would like to inform you that, today, there will be a health minister's regulation issued concerning the introduction of a state of epidemic threat, in line with the law on communicable diseases," Szumowski told a press conference.

Restrictions could be imposed on "a specific way of travelling," as well as the sale and use of certain products. The operation of certain institutions or companies could be restricted and bans on gatherings introduced, Szumowski said.