At 9:00 AM, the Senate's "Health of Poles" team will convene to discuss the coronavirus epidemic.

At 11:00 AM, a two-day Senate session will begin, during which the upper house will address, among other things, changes to the Open Pension Funds (OFE) and further work on the Senate's proposal for changes to the National Council of the Judiciary.

At 10:00 AM, President Andrzej Duda will meet with representatives of financial institutions at the Presidential Palace. A press briefing by PAD is planned after the meeting.

At 10:00 AM, Robert Biedroń, the presidential candidate for The Left, will hold a conference on the actions of the government, the president, and the opposition regarding the coronavirus.

At 10:15 AM, Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, the Civic Coalition's presidential candidate, will hold a press briefing in Warsaw.

At 10:30 AM, presidential candidate Szymon Hołownia and Gen. Mirosław Różański will hold a press conference in Warsaw.

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- This morning we have confirmation: 44 people in Poland. So, this increase is as we expect, and there will be more. We'll likely soon have 100 people [infected with coronavirus], and probably in a week, hopefully a little longer, we will reach the number of infected people seen in other countries, meaning around, hopefully up to 1,000, maybe a little less. These are all individuals we know had a high risk of infection. Therefore, for now, this growth is, as it were, predictable and relatively controlled – stated Łukasz Szumowski in an interview with Monika Olejnik on TVN24's "Jeden na jeden" program.

- Tens of thousands [of tests are in Poland]. And these numbers are constantly growing, because the tests are still coming in. We already have supply contracts. Daily we can perform, process [2,000 per day]. That's not a small number. That's as many as Great Britain can perform daily - stated Łukasz Szumowski in an interview with Monika Olejnik on TVN24's "One on One".

- It's difficult to determine at the moment. I have already asked for an increase in beds [in infectious disease wards] and I've been receiving reports practically since yesterday evening, specific numbers have already been released or patients have been transferred to other hospitals. If we look at some hospitals, like the one in Ostróda, it's practically empty. There are a few people hospitalized there. In others, it's happening right now. Consequently, the number of so-called infectious disease beds will increase to, I suspect, around 10,000 nationwide – stated Łukasz Szumowski in an interview with Monika Olejnik on TVN24's "Jeden na jeden" program.

- I appeal to use the form of mass services on radio and television. We have the possibility, as Archbishop Gądecki also wrote, to receive spiritual communion, and now is truly the time to utilize these means. Especially since the average age in churches is higher than in the general population. The Italian Minister of Health also reiterated yesterday that their high mortality rate stems from the very high average age of the population in northern Italy. And even if someone goes to church, the appeal is to truly maintain a large distance. This is sometimes difficult, yes - stated Łukasz Szumowski in an interview with Monika Olejnik on TVN24's "Jeden na jeden" (One on One).

- There is a meeting of the secretariat of the Episcopal Conference and the presidium. This is the time to reflect on this situation. A greater number of masses, based on my information, is precisely to thin out the number of people who usually attended one or two masses per day, spreading them over more time. If this doesn't work, we will need to consider other, more radical steps, because it can be dangerous for the elderly - he continued.

I've spoken with food producers, this is our core economic sector. They all assured me that they are producing at around 80% of their production capacity. They can increase production if there is a need. Therefore, we truly appeal for restraint. There is no need to crowd at checkouts today. It's not the safest place. Food will truly not run out - Jadwiga Emilewicz said in an interview with Beata Lubecka on the program "Gość Radia ZET".

- Regarding large retail stores, we do not recommend excessive use of them today. If we use them, let's do so in moderation. We are not closing them because there is no such need yet. That would be inappropriate - said Jadwiga Emilewicz in an interview with Beata Lubecka on the "Gość Radia ZET" program.

- 14 days is really not a year, and stocking up like in the old days when there was a shortage of sugar, toilet paper, and pasta is, in my opinion, completely unjustified. Poland is precisely a country where the quantities of food and products are sufficient for a very long time. Moreover, there are no production disruptions in Poland, we do not have closed regions and we do not plan to close regions, because that is simply not sensible in Poland, and there is food. This is a very medical appeal: the risk of going to the store and standing in line is greater than staying at home and buying for a week, even online, if that's the delivery time. We can also get infected in queues at stores - stated Łukasz Szumowski in an interview with Monika Olejnik on TVN24's "One on One".

- We have taken actions that other member states have not. When we discussed whether to close schools nationwide, or in districts and municipalities where cases are appearing, the answer from the Chief Inspector and Minister Szumowski was unanimous: we can do it today, other countries with more cases are not doing this because it is already too late for them. We are taking action, we are about two weeks ahead of other European countries - said Jadwiga Emilewicz in an interview with Beata Lubecka on the program "Gość Radia ZET".

- As in any place where there are many people, where many people gather, these are not places where we should be spending time today. I would likely not recommend older, more vulnerable individuals leaving their homes today. We know that these older individuals spend time at Masses via radio or television receivers, and I believe this is a place where one can pray with concentration - Jadwiga Emilewicz said in a conversation with Beata Lubecka on the program "Gość Radia ZET".

- I think end of next week. Biggest increases [in coronavirus infections] are expected at the end of next week or the beginning of the one after that - stated Łukasz Szumowski in an interview with Monika Olejnik on TVN24's "Jeden na jeden" (One on One), when asked when he expects the biggest impact.

- In Poland, the same phenomenon that has affected other European countries and is now essentially affecting the entire world must repeat itself, the question is on what scale. Last week, Minister Szumowski already told me that his predictions were that the number of infected would reach hundreds this week - Jarosław Gowin said in an interview with Krzysztof Świątek on Polskie Radio Jedynka's "Sygnały dnia".

- We are not ruling out any solutions in advance, but we believe they should be tailored to the current scale of the threat. If it turns out, God forbid, that the scale of the epidemic in Germany or another country bordering Poland is as large as in Italy, then we may consider a complete border closure - said Jarosław Gowin in an interview with Krzysztof Świątek on "Sygnały dnia" (Signals of the Day) on Polskie Radio Jedynka.

"Certainly, the campaign is shifting to the background, taking a different course. I am at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister once again today. I will participate in a meeting. I attend all meetings the Prime Minister holds with the opposition. We have cancelled mass gatherings, so the campaign has completely changed. If the election date needs to be postponed, such a decision must be made" - said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, the leader of the PSL and the Polish Coalition's presidential candidate, in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on Polsat News.

“A conversation with the episcopate, with other denominations. This is a sensitive issue, but the Slovak episcopate made the decision to suspend masses, where there are not as many cases as in Italy, and the decision is far-reaching. A conversation is needed, cooperation between the government and churches. Television, radio, the Internet – let more masses be broadcast. Perhaps every commercial station should make Holy Mass available, especially for the elderly” – said Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, leader of the Polish People's Party (PSL) and presidential candidate for the Polish Coalition, in an interview with Piotr Witwicki on Polsat News.

- I would like to reassure. There will be no closing of shops, for example, because such information is circulating today. There is no justification for this at the moment, nor do we expect it in the future, because an important element of overall security in such situations is the supply of food and daily necessities. Therefore, we do not expect such decisions, and similarly, it must be emphasized that there are no decisions at the moment to close any cities. Because there are also such rumors today that Warsaw is closed. Absolutely no such decisions have been made - stated Piotr Müller in an interview with Beata Michniewicz on "Trójka's Political Salon".

- We want [the shield act] to come into effect from April 1st, because with this act we want to abolish various elements that were supposed to function from April 1st, e.g., JPK VAT, which will be postponed to July 1st. As we said yesterday, this is the announcement of the Minister of Health, the postponement of the sugar tax's implementation to the end of this year - said Jadwiga Emilewicz in an interview with Beata Lubecka on the program "Gość Radia ZET".

„From the information reaching us, cooperation [with the government] could be better, primarily when it comes to coordination and cooperation with local governments. There are too many directives, too little real, tangible cooperation based on the exchange of information and basic knowledge about what can be done together. If voivodes issue directives to local governments to prepare for quarantines in city halls, without writing or specifying how it should look, it means they are unprepared and are trying to shift responsibility” - said Grzegorz Schetyna of Civic Coalition in an interview with Beata Michniewicz on Polskie Radio Trójka.

„I don't believe [that anything comes from the opposition's meetings with the Prime Minister]. I expect real, concrete information on how many people will be able to be tested. I have information about people from Wrocław who are reporting to the infectious diseases hospital to be tested, but they are not being tested” - said Grzegorz Schetyna of Civic Coalition in an interview with Beata Michniewicz on Radio Trójka.

„I do not want a president dressed in a quasi-uniform, who is moving into the next stage of his election campaign, which is more ridiculous than serious. He is dressing up in a scout or quasi-military uniform and pretending to manage a crisis, while conducting a not-so-subtle election campaign. The president has nothing to say here. I am not expecting information from a weary, tired Minister of Health, who can barely speak because he is under all this pressure. I am waiting for information from the Minister of Interior. This is the person who manages the crisis, who coordinates the functioning of local government, the special services. I do not want theatre, pretence. I want reliable information about the state of the country” - said Grzegorz Schetyna of Civic Coalition in an interview with Beata Michniewicz on Polish Radio Three.

„If it becomes impossible to conduct a formal, classic campaign, because it is already increasingly limited, not even because there won't be large gatherings, but because emotions are shifting. There are no emotions. Poles will not be living this campaign, the debates, the discussions, so I believe that if this situation continues to develop, if the epidemic continues to spread, then I think we must very seriously consider postponing the elections” - said Grzegorz Schetyna of Civic Coalition in an interview with Beata Michniewicz on Radio Trójka.

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I am coming forward with an appeal, I have issued an appeal to Prime Minister Morawiecki and President Duda, but also to all election campaigns, all male and female candidates for the office of President of the Republic of Poland, inviting a discussion on the measures that need to be taken regarding the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. We must talk about this issue above divisions, for the sake of the safety of Polish women and men – said Robert Biedroń during a press conference.

- It's very possible that without acting against anyone, we should simply close our borders. Any rational action, based not on panic, but on slowing the spread of the virus because it will spread, is reasonable – stated Włodzimierz Czarzasty in an interview with Jacek Prusinowski on Radio Plus.

I have an appeal to the Primate of Poland, Archbishop Wojciech Polak, and the chairman of the Polish Bishops' Conference, Stanisław Gądecki, to immediately suspend Holy Masses, so that Holy Masses are not held, which, like all other gatherings, expose the faithful to contracting the coronavirus. I am lodging this appeal with the bishops, counting primarily on the good sense of the bishops and priests in this matter - said Robert Biedroń during a press conference.

There are moments when everyone should simply play towards the same goal, and illness and death are such moments. Therefore, this government must be helped now. I say this with full responsibility and submit constructive proposals. If someone has an idea, they should simply say: listen, let's consider this further, maybe people can be served better if such and such a regulation, such and such a possibility is introduced. At the moment, in my opinion, the biggest threat, what is lacking and therefore needs to be improved, is the lack of tests. I believe there should be many more tests and I believe there is a shortage of ventilators. At the moment when the disease starts to spread. These are the two biggest issues – stated Włodzimierz Czarzasty in an interview with Jacek Prusinowski on Radio Plus.

- Article 68 of the Polish Constitution states that we all have the right to equal medical care. Poles are very concerned about the situation in our country. The WHO has declared that the coronavirus is now a pandemic. The situation is dangerous because Poles still feel they lack sufficient information on how to act and how to behave. I spoke with my experts yesterday, with local government officials, and one picture emerges from this. Poles want to know, they want to be sure that they can get tested and check if they pose a threat to their loved ones, colleagues, or coworkers. They want to know if they can function calmly and normally in our society. Therefore, it is essential that anyone who has doubts, who feels they may have been in contact with people infected with this virus, can get tested. People cannot live in uncertainty. Only a large number of tests will stop this disease. Germany's example shows this. In Germany, where many tests were performed, it was quickly possible to separate infected individuals from healthy ones, and these healthy individuals can function and work normally. This is necessary and essential, which is why I am appealing to the government to enable people to check their health status through tests. People must be sure that they are safe, healthy, and not infecting others. This is an appeal to the government to facilitate the purchase of more tests so that individuals can undergo such examination. This will provide Poles with a sense of security and, in line with what experts say, also looking at German patterns, will allow us to curb the development of this disease - stated Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska at a press briefing.

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At this moment there is no such reason to actually postpone [presidential] elections, but the situation is developing. We don't know what will happen in a week, in two weeks. We must be wisely and reasonably prepared for everything. As of today, based on the data we have from the government and Minister Szumowski, there is no such reason, but we don't know how the development of this disease will look in the coming weeks or months - stated Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska at a press briefing.

– I will support the future president, Szymon Hołownia, in ending the devastation of the Armed Forces and proceeding with a rational technical modernization plan commensurate with contemporary threats, including cyberspace – said Mirosław Rożański during a press conference with Szymon Hołownia in front of the BBN.

– We are standing in front of the BBN. We invited you here today because I believe that the new president's task should be to largely reformat the BBN, so that it transforms from what it is associated with today, namely solely the department of supreme command over the Armed Forces, into a modern center for managing and educating Poles on security – added Szymon Hołownia.

The Government Crisis Management Team convened for another session. Details regarding the discussions and decisions made will be communicated following the meeting.

We all see what's happening today in the stores, what's happening "out on the town" as they say. The emergence of coronavirus is not an exam, it's a matriculation. It's a whole series of tests that we must pass. The government must pass, the president must pass, but we too must pass as citizens. Perhaps to some it may seem banal, but it is truly important that today, when we enter a store to do our shopping, we remember that someone else will enter it later, that we cannot grab absolutely everything from the shelves - said Szymon Hołownia during a press conference.

- This is also my appeal to the representatives of the Church to finally state the matter radically and clearly, to appeal to those who do not have to participate in religious ceremonies to refrain from doing so during this time of threat, to introduce clear procedures that will minimize contact, and not just to encourage, ask, and subject it to reflection - said Szymon Hołownia during a press conference.

- We will submit our own anti-crisis bill. I count on parliamentary majority support in the spirit of agreement and seeking good solutions - stated Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at a briefing in the Sejm.

The project assumes, among other things, the payment of minimum wage for those who had to suspend their sole proprietorship due to the coronavirus or are suffering significant losses. The bill also allows for support for businesses and the launch of a credit line within BGK.

Kosiniak-Kamysz also appealed for an earlier convening of the Sejm session to discuss and vote on anti-crisis bills.

"Remote work, which is possible thanks to a special act, is a good solution for this more challenging time. Remote work differs from telework in that it does not require special approval of the workplace by a health and safety inspector. It can be ordered almost overnight. We highly recommend this solution" - said Minister Jadwiga Emilewicz at a press conference.

"We recommend that all kinds of conferences be held today using modern technologies. There is no need for us to meet in large groups in halls. Today, the best way to counteract the spread of coronavirus is to limit contact, and we recommend such behavior," said Minister Jadwiga Emilewicz at a press conference.

„We are not planning to close shops or commercial facilities, nor to cordon off any major Polish cities with sanitary barriers. Therefore, there is no need to make excessive purchases. We know that yesterday many people made such purchases and engaged in such activity. This is understandable, it's a new situation, but we definitely do not recommend it. Today, going to places where there are many people is definitely inappropriate and inadvisable” - said Minister Jadwiga Emilewicz at a press conference.

- Mr. President, we call on you for immediate reaction and to oppose your coalition partner. We count on PSL to bring about a change in the Senate Marshal. We believe that the ideas of sensible centrist politics are not just empty campaign slogans. In recent days, you have had many speeches where you provided prescriptions for action in the current situation. It is time to stop acting. It is time to act - wrote the senators to Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in a letter that Stanisław Karczewski published on social media.

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"Today, there is no reason to worry about dry goods, any food products whatsoever. There will certainly be no shortage of these in Poland. Producers are ready to produce more if there is a need. We are appealing for rational behavior in stores, reminding everyone that in previous years, we have recorded an increasing amount of wasted, thrown-away food year after year," stated Minister Jadwiga Emilewicz at a press conference.

- Today, through the media, we wanted to appeal to you, especially employers, to maximize remote work in accordance with current regulations. Some of these regulations have been in place for a long time, while others were introduced thanks to special legislation. The government administration has already started to do this. Ministries have received appropriate guidelines. They are already implementing it. I will give an example of KPRM. As of today, 55% of KPRM employees are working remotely, and we will strive to increase this number further - stated Michał Dworczyk at a press conference at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister (KPRM).

- We are acting in accordance with WHO guidelines. Now, this number of tests, because politicians and journalists are paying attention to it, that fewer tests were performed in Poland than in other countries, so now this number of tests will increase significantly. Minister Szumowski also spoke about this. This is because the countries you refer to in your questions, where more tests are performed, have been fighting the coronavirus for about a week or two longer. And this is a natural increase in dynamics. More people have indications for testing, and therefore in Poland, we are also reaching a situation where more people will have indications and more tests will be performed naturally – stated Michał Dworczyk at a press conference at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister (KPRM).

- This provision related to the inclusion of parents of children over 8 years of age in benefits will be part of the special act we are currently working on intensely, the provisions of which we will present at the beginning of next week. This is one of the solutions intended to protect entrepreneurs on the one hand, support them, and on the other hand guarantee security in the labor market - stated Jadwiga Emilewicz at a conference at the Prime Minister's Chancellery. 

“The foundation of any public authority’s actions in a crisis is mutual trust between the authorities and citizens. This trust can only be built on clear, transparent communication, on telling people the truth about the situation we are in at any given moment. We listen to every press conference of the Prime Minister, Minister Szumowski, and other ministers because we also communicate with Poles. Yesterday, the President was in Szczecin and during a press conference there, he shared information that worried us all, and we would like to ask the Minister of Health and the Prime Minister for clarification on this matter. The President said yesterday in Szczecin that the first cases appeared in mid-January, while the government began public communication regarding potential coronavirus threats in February. We would like to clarify whether this was a slip of the tongue, or if we indeed dealt with a situation where such cases were recorded in West Pomerania as early as January” – said MEP Bartosz Arłukowicz from KO, head of Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska’s campaign, at a press conference.  

„I see a very strong willingness from bank presidents and the banking sector to reach out to clients in need, for which I am immensely grateful, as they have presented such a responsible stance today. I also thank the President of the National Bank of Poland (NBP) for immediately and preliminarily announcing to the representatives of the banking sector what actions could be proposed by the NBP” - said President Andrzej Duda at a briefing. 

„First and foremost, it concerns the situation of borrowers, all those who have loans, who are repaying loans. We are talking about individuals, as well as entrepreneurs and companies. We are of course referring to mortgage loans, housing loans, as well as those that are denominated in foreign currencies. I have made the following request to the representatives of the banking sector: conditions must be created to allow for the suspension of loan repayment for a period of at least several months, so that anyone in need, in a situation where loan repayment is a problem for them, can turn to their bank to suspend loan repayment for several months without consequences, and that this be a very easy form, that it not be necessary to submit a whole series of certificates and documents, that it not be necessary to go to the bank at all, but that it be possible to arrange this remotely” - the President added. 

"What we feared has happened in recent days. We have the first person who died as a result of contracting coronavirus. I extend my condolences to the closest family. Regarding all the details, at 1:00 PM there will be a meeting with the Minister of Health. The minister will provide all detailed information" - said President Andrzej Duda at a briefing. 

On March 12, 2020, at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister (KPRM), Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki held a meeting with representatives of parliamentary clubs and circles. The meeting, which took place on Thursday, was a crucial step in inter-parliamentary dialogue and political consultations.

The exact agenda and outcomes of the meeting have not been fully disclosed in the provided link. However, such meetings are typically used for discussing important legislative matters, current political challenges, and government initiatives. The presence of representatives from various parliamentary groups suggests an effort to foster cooperation and consensus-building within the Sejm and Senate.

The Prime Minister's Chancellery (KPRM) often serves as a venue for high-level political discussions and strategic planning. The tweet from the official account of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland (@premierrp) indicates that this meeting was a significant event, underscoring the importance of engaging with all parliamentary forces.

This engagement is particularly relevant in a parliamentary democracy where effective governance often relies on broad support for key policies and legislative proposals. By convening with representatives of all parliamentary clubs and circles, the Prime Minister signals a commitment to inclusive governance and an open dialogue with the opposition and smaller parliamentary groupings.

Müller odpowiada PO: Apeluję żeby nie manipulować informacjami. To chodzi o przypadki poza Polską

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- Today, the Minister of Health's ordinance concerning the introduction of a state of epidemic threat in Poland, in accordance with the Act on Infectious Diseases, will be issued. What does this mean? It means that in subsequent ordinances, the Minister of Health may temporarily restrict specific modes of movement. They may prohibit and temporarily restrict the trade and use of certain products. They may temporarily restrict the functioning of certain institutions or workplaces, and they may introduce a ban on organizing spectacles and all gatherings defined by number in the ordinance. They may also order the making available of real estate, premises, and areas for the purposes of action and epidemic countermeasures. Furthermore, under Article 47, they may direct healthcare facility employees and individuals practicing medical professions to work in combating the epidemic, in connection with which we will be able legally to request work in specific, essential units – said Łukasz Szumowski during a press conference. 

- A patient has died in Poznań. The patient was 56 years old and had been infected with coronavirus. The patient had comorbid conditions that required immunosuppressive medication. The patient was in serious condition at the city hospital in Poznań, and today the doctors' fight for her life and health has unfortunately ended. I would like to express my condolences to her family and loved ones - said Łukasz Szumowski during a press conference.

Last week I was in Paris. The visit was official. As part of my role as chairman of the EPP faction in the Council of Europe, I had many meetings that took place in the French parliament. Upon my return, I learned that one parliamentarian and two or three parliamentary staff were hospitalized with a coronavirus diagnosis. I cannot state whether I had direct contact with them, but out of a sense of responsibility for the parliamentarians and the Parliament's staff, I decided not to attend the Senate this week. Following procedure, I requested a coronavirus test. However, I received a negative response" - writes Civic Coalition Senator Aleksander Pociej in a statement.

Stanisław Karczewski, a member of the Law and Justice party (PiS) and former Marshal of the Senate, has described a “bizarre situation” regarding the flow of information in the Upper House of Parliament. In a post on his Twitter account, Karczewski alleged that journalists from the TVN television station are receiving information before members of the Senate presidium.

The tweet, shared on March 12, 2020, referenced a specific incident that Karczewski found highly irregular. While the exact nature of the information and the context of the alleged leak are not detailed in the tweet itself, the implication is that sensitive or forthcoming information is being prematurely disclosed to the media, bypassing the established channels for informing the parliamentary leadership.

Karczewski’s statement suggests a potential breakdown in communication protocols within the Senate, or a deliberate strategy to leak information to a specific media outlet. The reference to TVN, a prominent Polish broadcaster often critical of the ruling PiS party, adds a layer of political commentary to his assertion. The use of the word "kuriozalna" (bizarre/absurd) underscores his strong disapproval of the situation.

This situation, if accurate, raises questions about transparency, security of information, and the impartiality of information dissemination within the Polish Senate. It also highlights the often-tense relationship between political actors and the media in Poland.

- The Prime Minister provided current information. We also discussed plans. A number of demands were made by parliamentary clubs, by the opposition, including the demand to close borders and postpone the election date. In our opinion, these actions are premature. The Prime Minister appeals for all of us to join the fight against coronavirus above political divisions - said Michał Dworczyk after the meeting with opposition representatives.

- It was a constructive conversation, and we are pleased that such a dialogue is possible, because the disease has no political colours. We should all cooperate together - added the Head of the Prime Minister's Chancellery.

- Due to the fact that the virus is already present in Poland, and these are no longer just imported cases, but we are already experiencing infections within the country, the testing system is being changed. Now, all individuals who have also been directed to quarantine will be subjected to tests - said Michał Dworczyk after a meeting with opposition representatives.

"I convened the Senior Council, the heads of parliamentary clubs, and fortunately, this person is feeling better. However, we must realize that if the result is positive, we will all face sanitary and epidemiological procedures, meaning quarantine first, followed by two tests for coronavirus. This confirms that the way to slow down the epidemic is through the widest possible promotion of testing" - said the Marshal of the Senate, Tomasz Grodzki, at a press conference.

„We have postponed points that can wait, such as major changes to the Senate's Rules of Procedure. There will only be a minor amendment to enable the Senate to swiftly process the amendment to the special coronavirus act, as this is the societal expectation. We promised this a week ago and intend to follow through” - stated Marshal of the Senate Tomasz Grodzki at a press conference.

"We are putting politics aside. The fight against coronavirus has no political colors. I would like to assure you that this action will be carried out by the Senate. Therefore, we want to make this special act on coronavirus better as quickly as possible" - said the Marshal of the Senate, Tomasz Grodzki, at a press conference.

On Tuesday, March 10, 2020, President Andrzej Duda met with representatives of scouting organizations and the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate (GIS). The meeting, which took place at the Presidential Palace, focused on the activities of scouting organizations and their cooperation with state institutions, particularly in the context of the developing epidemiological situation.

The Head of State emphasized the significant role of scouting in shaping young people's values, such as patriotism, responsibility, and solidarity. He also highlighted the commitment of scouts to serving society and their readiness to help in various situations, including crises. The President expressed his appreciation for the scouts' initiative and their willingness to contribute to public good.

Discussions also covered the current epidemiological situation in Poland, particularly concerning the coronavirus. Representatives of the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate provided information on the measures being taken to prevent the spread of the virus and to ensure public health and safety. The potential involvement of scouting organizations in supporting these efforts was also discussed, such as through disseminating information and assisting vulnerable groups.

President Duda stressed the importance of cooperation between civil society organizations and state authorities, especially in times of challenges. He assured the scouting representatives of his support and expressed his belief in the invaluable contribution of scouting to Polish society.

The Ministry of Health has reported two new confirmed cases of coronavirus infection in Poland. This brings the total number of confirmed infections to 51.

The announcement was made via the official Twitter account of the Ministry of Health (https://twitter.com/MZ_GOV_PL/status/1238117815934214145).

Ladies and gentlemen, all our actions are now focused on fighting the coronavirus. Responsibility and prevention are paramount right now, with quarantine where it is necessary. I am receiving all sorts of rumors, various unverified pieces of information, such as those about closing shops, closing cities. This is absolute fake news – there are no such plans, no such scenario. Please use verified sources, our gov.pl websites, and our social media profiles - said Mateusz Morawiecki in an online recording on Facebook.

- We appeal to the Speaker to speed up the proceedings, to commence the proceedings and even to vote on them today so that the senators can go home. Coronavirus cannot be used for political disputes, political brawls, and social unrest. We appeal to the PO senators standing here for responsibility, for diligence. The rules cannot be changed because we do not agree to this rule change. At the last minute, without any warning, PO wants to change the rules. Such a change that authorizes the Senate and enables the Senate to change its constitutional role. The Senate cannot be a place where alternative politics are created  - said Stanisław Karczewski during a press conference in the Senate.

The test result of a Senate member who suspected they had a coronavirus infection is negative.

- In my opinion, the Church is acting too late, as usual, regarding the coronavirus. This means making decisions, articulating them, packaging them in thousands of different ifs and buts, and perhaps we are strongly insisting, but also encouraging. We are in an epidemic, and simple language is needed - said Szymon Hołownia in an interview with Dorota Gawryluk on the program "Gość Wydarzeń" (Guest of Events) on Polsat News.

- I have a lot of respect for the minister of health, who, as I see it, is also paying a personal price for managing this crisis – said Szymon Hołownia in an interview with Dorota Gawryluk on the program "Gość Wydarzeń" on Polsat News.

- I am not convinced that everything has been handled as it should have been, because it's not just about the number of tests, but also about signals reaching us from all over Poland regarding a shortage of disposable materials. Seatbelts are fastened when you get in the car, not when an accident happens – said Szymon Hołownia in an interview with Dorota Gawryluk on the program "Gość Wydarzeń" on Polsat News.

- I have heartfelt regret for PiS senators who broke the quorum. What is this? Is this some private sandbox? We could soon be in a situation where we don't have effective central authorities, because they'll go into quarantine. There will be grounds for introducing a state of emergency - said Szymon Hołownia in an interview with Dorota Gawryluk on the program "Gość Wydarzeń" on Polsat News. 

“After yesterday’s meeting with the Prime Minister, I have the impression that he is boasting that we are far better organized than Germany, that we are a centrally controlled state. However, I have the impression that this is still an approach akin to a PowerPoint presentation about electric cars. We have supplies for 2 days. I am devastated, what will happen in a situation where we lack protective equipment” – said the Mayor of Poznań, Jacek Jaśkowiak, in an interview with Grzegorz Kajdanowicz on TVN24’s „Fakty po Faktach”. 

-- 300POLITYKA LIVEBLOG: JAŚKOWIAK ON THE GOVERNMENT BOASTING, BUT IT COULD BE A POWERPOINT APPROACH HOŁOWNIA ACCUSES PIS SENATORS OF BREAKING QUORUM AND EXPRESSES RESPECT FOR THE MINISTER OF HEALTH DWORCZYK ON EXPANDING TESTING https://300polityka.pl/live/2020/03/12/ ***** POLSAT EVENTS -- THIS IS ANOTHER DAY OF SAD NEWS, AND IT WILL GET WORSE. THE FIRST PERSON INFECTED WITH CORONAVIRUS IN POLAND HAS DIED - announcement. -- WE HAVE HAD THE FIRST DAY WITHOUT LESSONS IN SCHOOLS AND ACTIVITIES IN KINDERGARTENS; FROM MONDAY, SCHOOLS WILL BE CLOSED. -- THERE ARE NO PLANS TO CLOSE SHOPS AND RETAIL OUTLETS; THERE IS NO REASON FOR EXCESSIVE PURCHASES. -- THE STANDING COUNCIL OF THE EPISCOPATE CONFERENCE HAS RECOMMENDED TO BISHOPS TO GRANT DISPENSATION FROM THE OBLIGATION OF SUNDAY MASS ATTENDANCE. -- THE PRESIDENT WANTS TO SUSPEND LOAN REPAYMENTS; APPEALS HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE TO ENTREPRENEURS TO ALLOW EMPLOYEES TO WORK FROM HOME. -- THE MINISTER OF DEVELOPMENT IS WORKING ON A SPECIAL LAW FOR ENTREPRENEURS, WHICH WILL ALLOW FOR THE DELAY OR WAIVER OF ZUS CONTRIBUTIONS. -- THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH IS CHANGING THE METHOD OF CORONAVIRUS TESTING; ALL THOSE GOING INTO QUARANTINE WILL BE TESTED. ***** TVN FAKTY -- WE ARE ASKING ABOUT THE NUMBER OF HOSPITAL BEDS AND RESPIRATORS - in the preview. -- THE GOVERNMENT IS CREATING ADDITIONAL WARDS AND BUYING RESPIRATORS WHEREVER POSSIBLE - Marek Nowicki. -- The opposition is pressuring the government, preparing a bill amendment and seeking its urgent passage. It concerns child-rearing benefits granted only to parents of children up to 8 years of age. Politicians are demanding that this age be raised to 12 years. They argue that no one will leave a 9 or 10-year-old child home alone. -- RUMORS SPREAD LIKE WILDFIRE, AND THE GOVERNMENT IS CUTTING THEM OFF IN TIME. FIRSTLY, CLOSING CITIES AND ESTABLISHING SANITARY CORDON IS NOT EVEN BEING CONSIDERED. SECONDLY, THERE ARE NO PLANS TODAY TO CLOSE ALL SHOPS. THESE ARE CLEAR MESSAGES, REPEATED IN EVERY MINISTER'S SPEECH - Krzysztof Skórzyński. -- NO ONE PLANS TO RESTRICT MOVEMENT - Minister of Health. -- LABORATORIES ARE INCREASING THE NUMBER OF TESTS. THESE WILL NOT BE MASS TESTS, BUT PREVIOUSLY THEY WERE ONLY PERFORMED FOR A SPECIFIC CATEGORY OF PERSONS. NOW THEY WILL BE PERFORMED ON ALL THOSE WHO HAVE CONTACT WITH AN INFECTED PERSON, WHICH RADICALLY INCREASES THE RANGE OF INDIVIDUALS TESTED TO THE EXTENT REQUESTED BY THE NRL - Skórzyński. -- TESTS IN KOREA ARE LESS ACCURATE; GENETIC TESTS IN POLAND ARE MORE ACCURATE, BUT THE SENATE MARSHAL'S WISH WILL NOT BE GRANTED. -- IN ANOTHER MATTER, THE GOVERNMENT IS NOT SO PRECISE. PARENTS UP TO 8 YEARS OLD ARE TO RECEIVE BENEFITS. TODAY, AN APPEAL WAS MADE TO RAISE THE THRESHOLD TO A REASONABLE LEVEL. THE GOVERNMENT SAID ONE THING ON THIS MATTER, AND A FEW HOURS LATER, SOMETHING ELSE - Skórzyński. ***** TVP WIADOMOŚCI -- WE HAVE THE FIRST FATAL CASE OF CORONAVIRUS. A TOTAL OF 51 CONFIRMED CASES OF INFECTION - announcement. -- FAITHFUL HAVE RECEIVED DISPENSATION TO ATTEND SERVICES - Danuta Holecka continues. -- A GOVERNMENT CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTER MEETING IS UNDERWAY AT THE PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE. THE PRIME MINISTER ALSO MET WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF PARLIAMENTARY CLUBS AND CIRCLES - Marcin Szewczak. -- ZBIGNIEW ZIOBRO SPOKE WITH COURT PRESIDENTS VIA TELECONFERENCE - Szewczak. -- THE PRESIDENT MET WITH SCOUT ORGANIZATIONS AND THE CHIEF SANITARY INSPECTOR - Szewczak. -- THE CONFERENCE OF THE POLISH EPISCOPATE IS GRANTING FAITHFUL DISPENSATIONS FROM ATTENDING SUNDAY MASSES - Szewczak. -- THE PRIME MINISTER'S CHANCELLERY ENCOURAGES HELPING SENIORS - Szewczak. -- THE POLISH GOVERNMENT IS NOT WASTING TIME - banner. -- POLISH AUTHORITIES ARE ACTING SWIFTLY AND COMPREHENSIVELY - Jan Korab. -- A GERMAN MP HAS CALLED ON HIS GOVERNMENT TO TAKE POLAND AS AN EXAMPLE - Korab. -- FIGHTING FAKE NEWS AND PREVENTIVE ACTIONS ARE THE CURRENT PRIORITIES OF POLISH AUTHORITIES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORONAVIRUS - Korab. -- DESPITE THE CORONAVIRUS THREAT, MARSHAL GRODZKI HAS CONVENED A SENATE SESSION. HE DID NOT CHANGE HIS DECISION, ALTHOUGH ONE PERSON PERMANENTLY PRESENT ON THE SENATE PREMISES REPORTED TO THE MARSHAL THAT THEY FELT UNWELL AND UNDERWENT TESTING - announcement. -- ALEKSANDER POCIEJ AND WŁODZIMIERZ BERNACKI ARE UNDER QUARANTINE - Holecka continues. -- IF THE RESULT IS POSITIVE, ALL PERSONS PRESENT IN THE SENATE BUILDING THAT DAY WILL HAVE TO BE QUARANTINED - Jakub Krzyżak. -- PHOTOS OF KARCZEWSKI AMIDST PIS SENATORS DURING A BRIEFING. -- DESPITE THE THREAT, THE MARSHAL ORGANIZED A CONFERENCE, TIGHTLY SURROUNDED BY OPPOSITION SENATORS, WHICH IS A VIOLATION OF SANITARY SERVICE GUIDELINES RECOMMENDING MAINTAINING A DISTANCE OF AT LEAST ONE METER FROM OTHER PEOPLE - Krzyżak. -- THE CIVIC COALITION IS TRYING TO USE THE THREAT FOR A POLITICAL ATTACK ON THE GOVERNMENT - Krzyżak. -- DEPUTY MARSHAL KARCZEWSKI HAS APPEALED TO KOSINIAK-KAMYSZ TO WITHDRAW SUPPORT FOR GRODZKI - Krzyżak.