At 10:00 AM, a press conference by Civic Platform leader Borys Budka will be held in Katowice. At 11:00 AM in Warsaw, Krzysztof Bosak will hold a press conference concerning the anti-crisis package for the Polish economy.

- Indeed, at 4:00 PM we have the Sejm presidium. We will learn about the agenda and how the Sejm Chancellery envisions organizing this session. I agree that it is necessary for the Sejm to make decisions regarding actions. These actions must be carried out in the form of laws, so the Sejm is essential for this. I believe that security conditions can be ensured for the Sejm to take place without exposing anyone to infection - Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska stated on TOK FM.

Also today, the draft law introducing the so-called anti-crisis shield is to be transferred by the Ministry of Development to the President and the Social Dialogue Council. According to announcements, an extraordinary session of the RDS is scheduled for Monday to discuss this matter, after which the Council of Ministers will take up the draft.

We are primarily preparing for the development of the epidemic, because that is natural. We expect there will be more sick people. It's hard to say exactly how many. That's why we have started these preparations and this fight, because one must say it's a fight against a threat, sufficiently early, and we are prepared for the situation's development. We are also appealing strongly for cooperation from everyone. We know it exists. There are only exceptions, which can unfortunately be dangerous. Once again, I would like to appeal that one irresponsible behavior can cause incalculable consequences - stated Piotr Gliński in an interview with Robert Mazurek on RMF FM.

- This coming Sunday? Of course, if there were elections and they were to take place, I would go, but it's difficult for me to answer this question. For now, nothing of that kind has happened on a national scale, the intensity of this crisis is not high enough to require postponement at the moment. I'm saying the scale of the threat right now is not like that, but perhaps in two weeks it will be such that a different decision will need to be made. As Professor Szumowski rightly said, in April we will see how the situation develops - stated Piotr Gliński in an interview with Robert Mazurek on RMF FM.

„Yesterday it turned out that one of the deputy ministers of agriculture is also ill. Consequently, the entire leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture has been quarantined. The minister is working remotely. He is also under home quarantine. Contact with him is by phone, via videoconference. Today, when we meet at 10:30 AM for the government crisis management team, he will be with us again via videoconference” - said the Head of the Prime Minister's Chancellery, Minister Michał Dworczyk, in an interview with Michał Rachoń on TVP Info. 

- In my ministry, the Ministry of State Assets, 80% of employees are currently working remotely. We have implemented such a system. The ministry is operating normally - said Jacek Sasin in an interview with Marcin Wikło on TVP1's "Political Quarter Hour". 

There is no direct agreement. Of course, the Minister of Foreign Affairs is meeting on this matter and is conducting talks with the Chinese Ambassador. We are currently acquiring, but it is not simple. There are many interested parties, for example, in purchasing masks - said Jacek Sasin in an interview with Marcin Wikło on TVP1's "Political Quarter of an Hour".

- Thanks to the fact that we governed very responsibly over the last four years, we have a sound state of public finances. This was mentioned by President Glapiński at a conference the day before yesterday. The President of the National Bank of Poland also confirmed this governmental information. We have the security to spend this money without any catastrophe, without detriment to public finances – said Jacek Sasin in a conversation with Marcin Wikło on TVP1's "Political Quarter Hour".

The Ministry of Health has reported 12 new cases of coronavirus infection in Poland. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 367.

The latest update, disseminated via the official Ministry of Health Twitter account (@MZ_GOV_PL), indicates a continued rise in infections across the country. The precise locations and details of these new cases were not immediately specified in the tweet itself, but the announcement underscores the ongoing efforts to track and contain the spread of the virus.

As of the latest report, Poland has recorded 367 confirmed cases of COVID-19. The Ministry of Health continues to urge the public to adhere to preventative measures, including social distancing, frequent handwashing, and staying home whenever possible, to help mitigate the further transmission of the virus.

For the most up-to-date information, individuals are encouraged to follow official government health channels and consult reliable sources.

Source: Twitter @MZ_GOV_PL, March 18, 2020

Certainly, unfortunately, the number of sick people will increase. However, the goal we must achieve is to flatten this growth [in the number of cases]. Because if it starts to increase exponentially, incredibly fast, our healthcare system will not withstand it. No healthcare system in the world can withstand a sudden surge. The case of Italy shows that it can be dramatic. This is what we want to avoid. We have a chance for this, hence all the decisions we made much earlier than the Italians, Germans, and British - stated Piotr Gliński in an interview with Robert Mazurek on RMF FM. - Well, we don't know exactly [what we are facing], and this is clearly stated, both by Minister Szumowski, and the Prime Minister, and by more responsible people worldwide who say that we don't know everything, but we know what our rational actions should be in relation to this uncertainty, this situation of uncertainty. Certainly, isolation and adherence to basic hygiene principles. Simple, yet incredibly complicated. Especially in the long term, because for a week, two, someone might say, we'll endure at home. But it might be two weeks, or longer. We must prepare for this. We have a chance to defeat this damn virus. We have entered the fight, and we are all acting together - the Deputy Prime Minister continued. - We have taken rational actions, and it would be good if all of us, every Polish citizen, tried to act rationally, and then we have a chance to win - he emphasized.

- I think it is realistic that such conditions can be ensured in parliament for the session to take place relatively safely. We currently have no other way to enact laws in Poland than through a plenary parliamentary session. There is no procedure for circulating or remote voting - said Jacek Sasin in an interview with Marcin Wikło on TVP1's "Political Quarter Hour".

- The proposal was put forward by MP Janusz Kowalski from Solidary Poland, suggesting that perhaps MPs should meet at the National Stadium - noted the journalist.

- MP Kowalski does indeed sometimes formulate quite controversial ideas in the public sphere. I don't think it's a good solution. Besides, Marshal Terlecki addressed this, stating that it can be well organized at the parliament's seat, without resorting to this type of non-standard solutions - Sasin replied.

“I think the government is currently focusing primarily on the epidemic situation. We all know when elections are, and we need to start asking these important questions. In my opinion, elections cannot be held in this situation. We are asking a whole series of questions. We ask, realizing that the government has other things on its mind, but this answer must be given in the coming days, because the date is inexorably approaching. For the sake of the state's dignity and the strength of our democracy, it would be good to make such a decision as soon as possible” – said the Mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski, in a conversation with Beata Tadla on Onet Rano.

„A state of natural disaster would help both the government and us make decisions faster. This depends, of course, on what regulations would follow. At the moment, the system is functioning normally. For example, the City Council was convened at the request of its chairwoman to approve the proposals we presented. One can imagine that for a few weeks, the president could make budgetary decisions without the need to convene the City Council” – said the Mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski, in an interview with Beata Tadla on Onet Rano.

"The government is responsible for such plans [for a potential Warsaw lockdown]. Questions must be directed to the government. Such rumors have been appearing in the media for many days. It's clear these were fake news and untrue. There are no such signals" - said the Mayor of the Capital City of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski, in an interview with Beata Tadla on Onet Rano.

- Indeed, at this moment, the situation regarding the number of infected individuals will undoubtedly grow. This is because many people are in quarantine. Currently, we are observing individuals who have been in contact with infected persons, and this increase should be expected. Of course, the numbers we predicted, meaning a thousand people by the end of the week, are not yet visible, and that is very good, we are happy about that. However, unfortunately, this does not mean that we can sleep soundly at this moment. Once again, we appeal to adhere to all these rules - stated Piotr Müller in an interview with Katarzyna Gójska on "Sygnały dnia" PR1.

- Naturally, the number of people who are ill may simply grow at a slower pace, and that is what we cared about the most. This means that the actions taken at the borders, concerning the closure of some shops or restaurants, are also yielding positive results. Therefore, this brings effects, and that is precisely why we should maintain this discipline even more. We particularly appeal here, of course, for the elderly to stay at home, as they are the most vulnerable, but also for the youth - the government spokesperson continued.

Compared to other countries in Europe right now, because let's compare European countries, we are in a much, much better situation, but that is thanks to this discipline. Yesterday, for example, in Italy there were already 41,000 people who were ill and almost 3,500 people who died. So, discipline really helps, and we appeal for it to be maintained – stated Piotr Müller in an interview with Katarzyna Gójska on "Sygnały dnia" PR1.

- We are in a specific situation because this Sejm session is taking place within a framework that is also associated with the application of all those requirements related to the epidemic threat. This is a great challenge. I know that activities are being carried out here by Marshal Witek and the Chancellery of the Sejm. After all the announcements, we will have detailed knowledge of how it will be organized. Depending also on the content of the matters that will be developed, we will decide on the participation of the Presidential Chancellery. If there is such a need, then the president's representatives will certainly participate. As for the president's personal presence, I am unable to say today whether there will be such a need at all - said Paweł Mucha in an interview with Jacek Prusinowski in "Sedno sprawy" on Radio Plus.

- There is no procedure that involves postponing the election date. The election date is known, there are no legal grounds. There are also no legal possibilities to postpone the election date - said Paweł Mucha in an interview with Jacek Prusinowski in Radio Plus's "Sedno sprawy".

- Today, it is impossible to anticipate what the situation will be exactly in two months. I trust that all the actions being taken will limit the effects of the coronavirus epidemic. I hope it will be possible to hold the elections. However, as of today, if we also look at the legal solutions contained in the Polish Constitution, we are acting within the framework of ordinary constitutional measures - Mucha added.

- First and foremost, we must emphasize that the situation with the epidemic is very dynamic. Just a month ago, if we had asked whether the current situation in Poland was possible, I think 90% of people would not have imagined that due to the coronavirus, which was somewhere in the world, infecting the first individuals. Such a situation as we have today could arise. Therefore, it is equally possible, thanks to the actions we are taking, that the situation in Poland will not improve in a month's time either. Let's also remember that there is a risk, as some epidemiologists are already indicating, that we will have a similar situation, for example, in the autumn. That we cannot rule out that this virus will hit similarly, which is why we must prepare for it, take into account a scenario in which the number of infected people decreases for a period, allowing a return to normal life, and then unfortunately returns after some time. Therefore, all these variants must be taken into account in such decisions – stated Piotr Müller in an interview with Katarzyna Gójska on "Sygnały dnia" PR1.

- In the case of holding elections while the risk still exists, if such a risk were to exist, safety measures must be ensured – he continued. – Decisions in this regard, whether elections will take place at all on the given date, should be made shortly before the elections, because then we will know what the situation is – emphasized the government spokesman.

„We are in front of the office of MP Mateusz Morawiecki, an MP from the Silesian constituency, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland, who today should listen to the voice of entrepreneurs. Today, in the Sejm, the Civic Coalition parliamentary club is submitting a concrete legislative project. Exemption during the crisis for individuals who cannot pay social security contributions. It is very important to provide real help to Polish entrepreneurs and employers, so they do not have to lay off employees, and to prevent a major crisis. Not any postponement of payment deadlines, but complete waiver for the duration of the crisis” - said PO (Civic Platform) leader Borys Budka at a press conference in Katowice.

Adam Jarubas, a Member of the European Parliament and former Marshal of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, has announced via Twitter that he has tested positive for COVID-19.

He confirmed his diagnosis in a tweet, stating: "I underwent a COVID-19 test. It turned out positive. I am in the hospital and I feel good. I will get out of this, and we will all get out of this."

The post was accompanied by a link to his Twitter account and the specific tweet:

https://twitter.com/JarubasAdam/status/1240925295491854338?s=20

- Good news is that the situation at the borders has been completely resolved and unblocked. Currently, traffic is flowing smoothly, but of course, every day brings various challenges related to the new situation. We are constantly trying to resolve them - stated Michał Dworczyk at a briefing in front of the Chancellery of the Prime Minister.

- The competition for President Andrzej Duda is extremely active online, to be honest. The activity of Ms. Kidawa-Błońska, Mr. Bosak, and Mr. Kosiniak is greater than that of President Andrzej Duda. Elections cannot be canceled in any way for now. The Constitution does not allow for the cancellation of ordered elections. And introducing, as some opposition members and some publicists associated with the opposition are urging, a state of emergency solely to prevent these elections from taking place, is circumventing the constitution - said Adam Bielan in an interview with Marcin Fijołek on Siódma9's "Morning" program.

- Even if such a state were introduced and these elections were postponed, what is the guarantee that the epidemic situation in Poland in a few months will be less bad, or better, than in May? There are reports, for example, from the Imperial College institute, which predict that we will be dealing with the epidemic at least until next spring. Two days ago, official statements emerged from Germany, even mentioning two years. Surely, these elections cannot be postponed indefinitely, the term of the incumbent president cannot be extended indefinitely - Bielan added.

- As part of these works, consultations that are ongoing and will continue, because Minister Emilewicz, Minister Maląg, among others, will be talking with the Social Dialogue Council (RDS), and with entrepreneurs all the time, so as part of this dialogue, we are naturally open to various kinds of ideas, and I know that these legislative projects are still being supplemented. However, it must also be honestly said that not all demands can be met. This project, this anti-crisis shield, as is always the case in such situations, represents a certain compromise between expectations and budgetary capacity. Consequently, we are also open to ideas from the opposition. We have proven this already while working on the previous act, when a number of proposals submitted by opposition clubs were taken into account. However, we must clearly state that we will not respond to all good ideas – I am using the word 'good' in quotation marks – because such possibilities simply do not exist. So, dialogue yes, but fulfilling all ideas, which are sometimes detached from reality, no – stated Michał Dworczyk at a briefing before the Chancellery of the Prime Minister (KPRM).

- I don't know if it will be next Tuesday or Monday. I think the draft bill [of the anti-crisis shield], which is being discussed and consulted, will be adopted by circulation. The Council of Ministers adopts many projects by circulation, and this will happen so as not to convene a traditional meeting of the Council of Ministers, where the entire Council of Ministers would have to meet in one room and vote – stated Michał Dworczyk at a briefing in front of the Chancellery of the Prime Minister (KPRM).

The Government Crisis Management Team is currently in session.

The meeting is being held in response to the ongoing situation.

Further updates will be provided as they become available.

Woś: Żona i córeczka też z wirusem, na szczęście w dobrym stanie. Wieczorem 17 marca trafiłem do szpitala, nie obyło się bez podania tlenu. Dziś wypuszczą nas na leczenie domowe

https://twitter.com/MWosPL/status/1240944887966638081

https://twitter.com/MZ_GOV_PL/status/1240948523539013633

https://twitter.com/MZ_GOV_PL/status/1240948525833347072

"I know that local governments are on the front lines of the fight against coronavirus. You have experience. You are closest to the people. There are several thousand local governments in Poland. We know that isolation and quarantine alone are not enough. Tests are needed. I have been saying this from the beginning, and the WHO has confirmed it: tests, tests, tests. Tests are needed to support doctors, nurses, and those on the front lines of contact with patients. Thanks to tests, we will be able to find people who are unaware they are infected and are spreading it to others. We should be talking about these tests. Yesterday, I wrote a letter to the Prime Minister, appealing for all laboratories capable of performing tests to be allowed to do so, and for the NFZ (National Health Fund) limits to be abolished." - said Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, Civic Coalition's presidential candidate and Deputy Marshal, during a videoconference with local government officials.

- Enough deception. Enough deception in our approach to entrepreneurs. The assumptions of the shield, which is meant to protect entrepreneurs and the Polish economy from what is currently happening due to the coronavirus, have been announced. I wanted to say that this is a shield primarily aimed at banks, and it's a shield that talks about macroeconomics, while absolutely not helping entrepreneurs who, for example, will lose profits - said Włodzimierz Czarzasty during an online press conference.

- What will postponing payments, for example, by three months for ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) or VAT provide to companies? In three months, these companies will have no money to pay that ZUS and VAT. What will a situation where the state says: we will pay 40% of salaries provide to these companies? And where is this entrepreneur supposed to get their 40% if there wasn't a single person in the hotel, if there wasn't a single person in the restaurant, if the event industry had no orders? - Czarzasty asked.

- I know that what I'm about to say is irresponsible and I know that what I'm about to say is not pro-state. If I ran a company today, I would stop paying any obligations immediately. Why? Because I would try to save my employees. I would give those employees salaries for as long as possible. I wouldn't pay taxes, I wouldn't pay bills - said Włodzimierz Czarzasty during an online press conference.

- Sometimes I have the impression that Prime Minister Morawiecki is a good bank president, but if he had to run a Ruch kiosk, he'd have a real problem. Because he doesn't understand business. I don't know what the processes are in this business - said Włodzimierz Czarzasty during an online press conference.

- Millions of Polish women and men who will be wondering whether to vote or not will be placed in a very difficult situation. Imagine today if we had to go and vote in the presidential election next Sunday. Everything points to the fact that this situation will change little by May 10th. Would you go to the polling station next Sunday and vote without fear? Would you feel safe voting at that location, seeing yourself and others, seeing the commission, exposing yourself and others to significant risk? I think it would be very unwise. Today we must appeal to all political forces: stop the election campaign. An appeal to President Duda for reason on this matter - said Robert Biedroń during an online press conference.

„We have submitted a bill concerning ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) exemptions for Polish entrepreneurs during this critical time. Exemptions from ZUS and taxes. This law needs to be adopted very quickly because our entrepreneurs immediately need relief and help to operate. The Sejm session is approaching. Our proposal, well-received by Poles, [I hope] will be included in the agenda” – said Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska, candidate for president from the Civic Coalition (KO) and Deputy Marshal of the Sejm, at a press conference.

The Law and Justice (PiS) party leader, Jarosław Kaczyński, will be Krzysztof Ziemiec's guest on RMF FM tomorrow at 8:30 AM.

https://twitter.com/MZ_GOV_PL/status/1241020644462080000

https://twitter.com/MZ_GOV_PL/status/1241020645707825153

As 300POLITYKA has learned, President Andrzej Duda will deliver an address to the nation this evening. The broadcast is scheduled for approximately 8:00 PM.

We have concluded the Sejm Presidium meeting where we discussed how to properly prepare this session, to ensure it is safe for MPs and Sejm employees, and that we can conduct the debates efficiently and swiftly. We will continue discussions on this matter on Tuesday, and then we will present the solution we have adopted. However, there was a good conversation and good discussion at the Presidium, as we are all seeking an agreement and a wise and safe solution – stated Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska at a briefing in the Sejm. We agreed that only on Tuesday, after the Presidium meeting, will we provide the final information. However, we want to assure you that we were guided primarily by the need to ensure the health security not only of the MPs but also of the people working to support the Sejm session – continued Piotr Zgorzelski. We are appearing as a trio because this is a matter above any divisions. On Friday, there will be a Sejm session, and we will make several non-standard decisions. But because we are responsible, we agreed to inform about this after Tuesday's Presidium meeting, which, perhaps for the first time this term, speaks well of the Sejm Presidium – said Włodzimierz Czarzasty.

- A next presidium will be held on Tuesday, where a decision will be made after consultations within the parliamentary clubs regarding the shape of the Sejm session. The variants are varied; it is too early to talk about them. The aim is to ensure the safety of MPs, the Marshal's Guard employees, and journalists - said Ryszard Terlecki after the Sejm presidium.

- We didn't foresee this situation - Ryszard Terlecki replied briefly when asked by journalists about a potential Sejm session outside the parliament building. 

- The same politicians, the same commentators who attacked President Andrzej Duda for not responding to Vladimir Putin’s attacks for several days during the Christmas and New Year break, are now attacking President Andrzej Duda because he is active during a great trial for our entire state, as the head of state, organizing meetings, including crisis management teams, and visiting very important locations. Because what you spoke about with such mockery a moment ago was the launch of a very important disinfectant production line - said Adam Bielan in an interview with Monika Olejnik on TVN24’s “Tak jest” program.

- Did President Andrzej Duda have to be there? - the journalist inquired.

- We started this interview with your question about what is happening with Jarosław Kaczyński. Jarosław Kaczyński is not the president, but Monika Olejnik was interested today in what is happening with Jarosław Kaczyński…

- But of course…

- But if I could finish. If I could finish just once.

- Please do.

- So, you are interested in what is happening with Jarosław Kaczyński, even though he is not the head of state, he is one of the political leaders in Poland, and at the same time, in the same statement, you are attacking the head of state for being active in a moment of crisis. You must decide on something, even if you work at TVN24. Either you attack Jarosław Kaczyński for not appearing in public, or you attack Andrzej Duda for appearing - stated Bielan.

- I beg your pardon. I asked you whether Jarosław Kaczyński has an opinion on postponing or not postponing the presidential elections. I did not ask, I did not assess what he is doing at the moment, so please do not put words in my mouth, doing what another television station does - replied Olejnik. 

"Another exhausting week is behind us. I don't have enough thanks for everyone who is beautifully engaged, fulfilling their ordinary yet extraordinary duties. This includes medical personnel, doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, everyone working in healthcare and sanitary inspection, but also more broadly. These are the people who are suppliers of our various goods to store shelves, who sell, police officers who check people in quarantine, the army, the Border Guard, the State Fire Service and Volunteer Fire Brigades. All these units engage the entire society to a huge extent in the fight against the coronavirus" – said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a press conference.

"I deeply hope that after Easter we can change our mode of operation. We will discuss this in more detail in the coming days. It is important to adhere to sanitary hygiene rules in an unprecedented way, to disinfect hands, and to avoid contact with the elderly, as they are most vulnerable to death from contracting the coronavirus," said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a press conference.

"I wanted to express our condolences to our neighbours - Italians, Spaniards, French, Germans, but also to Czechs and other countries experiencing a very deep and strong blow from the coronavirus. In Italy, there are already over 3,000 deaths, so we know this is a virus that is claiming a deadly toll, especially when healthcare systems are unprepared for the rapid spread of infections," said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a press conference.

"It is of utmost importance that all those who can work, who have their work adapted to remote conditions or separation, actually build our economy, as a significant part of it is frozen. Through our anti-crisis shield, our economic package, we are doing everything we can to get through this downturn, these few difficult weeks, perhaps months, as smoothly as possible" - said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a press conference.

"In order to prevent further spread, to limit it, and to implement appropriate rules, including in the area of quarantine, we are today introducing a state of epidemic. A state of epidemic that grants new prerogatives, but also imposes new obligations on us," said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a press conference.

"We've decided to further suspend classes until the Easter holidays. This is a difficult but important, necessary decision to prevent the widespread transmission of the coronavirus. I thank all teachers, parents, children, and young people who are participating in remotely organized classes. Already today, over 90% of schools are using remote methods, e-learning, and remote knowledge transfer methods," said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a press conference.

"This entire circumstance is an exam in responsibility that we are all undergoing, and we are doing it largely for ourselves, for all Poles, but especially for the elderly, for seniors. We are receiving increasingly widespread statistical data from Western Europe and we see that especially after the age of 75, but also retired seniors are very vulnerable to the effects of the coronavirus," said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a press conference.

"This national quarantine of ours, and at the same time the longing for normalcy, cannot mean that we will be relaxing our rules. No. The next two to three weeks, until the holidays, must be weeks of full social discipline. This is how we protect each other, and social isolation helps a lot," said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a press conference.

"As we see today, Koreans, Japanese are returning to work, Chinese, Taiwanese, this is also happening because they treated quarantine rules very strictly. Among other things, they monitored each other, and we are introducing both increased penalties, stricter penalties - from 5,000 PLN to 30,000 PLN - but also mechanisms for tracking whether a given person is actually staying at home. The price for breaking quarantine can be someone's health or life," Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said at a press conference.

“Today, over 400 people have been infected with the coronavirus. On this day, over 50 people have been infected. 900 people are hospitalized, tens of thousands are in quarantine. This authorizes me to sign a regulation, jointly with the Minister of the Interior, announcing a state of epidemic in Poland. This means that, applying the Act on Infectious Diseases, the Minister of Health throughout Poland, and voivodes within their voivodeships, can designate the roles of medical personnel, as well as other individuals, in combating the epidemic” – said Minister Łukasz Szumowski at a press conference.

https://twitter.com/Gasiuk_Pihowicz/status/1241055103085355009

„The project is already ready at the Ministry of Development and in cooperation with other ministries. Its final provisions are being polished. We want to dedicate this weekend to its review and consultations as well. Yesterday, I met with representatives of the opposition. We did not present the entire project, but we outlined our main line of changes, which, of course, corresponds in detail to the anti-crisis shield we have presented” - said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a press conference.

- He feels very well. There are no symptoms, he is of course in the hospital, but he is ready to return to work as soon as the virus subsides - said Mariusz Błaszczak in a conversation with Bogdan Rymanowski on the program 'Guest of Events' on Polsat News.

„[Declaring a state of epidemic] does not mean postponing elections to a later date. This regulation has nothing to do with postponing elections. The elections are to be held on May 10” – said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a press conference.

- The opposition and its candidates tend to focus on their own interests. I don't think that's a good stance. Today, when we are all united in solidarity, when we are looking for solutions to limit the spread of the virus, for example, the government's anti-crisis package – said Mariusz Błaszczak in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on the program "Gość Wydarzeń" on Polsat News.

President Andrzej Duda, not just since yesterday but since 2015, has created a new model of the presidency. An active presidency. A presidency that meets the expectations of our country's citizens. The President is simply active. Surely, if he were inactive, if he stayed primarily in the Presidential Palace, the same opposition would formulate an accusation that the president is not present when he is needed – said Mariusz Błaszczak in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on the program “Gość Wydarzeń” on Polsat News. 

Today, I received the government's draft of a special act referred to as the "anti-crisis shield". It comprises a package of measures on an unprecedented scale. Hundreds of billions of zlotys are to be allocated for the protection of Polish households, for the protection of jobs, and for the continuity of Polish businesses – especially small and medium-sized ones – stated President Andrzej Duda in a televised address. - Given the significance of this legal act, I have convened a meeting of the National Security Council. On Monday, leaders of parliamentary groups will join representatives of the government and the authorities of the Sejm and Senate. We will discuss together the details of this important project – around which an agreement of all political forces must be forged – PAD continued. Below is the full text of the address. ***** Acting together, in a spirit of national unity and solidarity, we have so far prevented an exponential rise in infections. The emptiness on the streets of Polish towns is a sight far from our dreams. However, in the current situation, it inspires hope. It is a testament to the wisdom and responsibility of Poles. A decisive time lies ahead of us. According to specialists, we are approaching a crucial, breakthrough moment in the fight against the epidemic. Therefore, I appeal to everyone for even greater mobilization, even greater discipline. Let's stay home! Let's adhere to the recommendations issued. Let's not risk our own health and lives, or those of others. Let's remember the experiences of other countries: a rapidly growing number of infections and cases is always the result of carelessness and disregard for basic safety rules. In these difficult days for all of us, I sincerely thank the sanitary, medical, and uniformed services. I thank the soldiers of the Polish Army and those of you who ensure access to the most essential services and goods. You demonstrate exceptional fortitude. Your dedication and professionalism inspire calm, trust, and genuine admiration in the hearts of Poles. They also inspire acts of help for those in need. Polish companies are making substantial donations to fight the epidemic or are switching to producing the most essential sanitary protection. On-duty doctors and paramedics receive support from medical students, and employees of restaurants, bars, and cafes are preparing and delivering meals to them free of charge. Local government officials, scouts, volunteer groups, and neighbors are providing concrete help and words of encouragement to seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. Thank you once again for this wonderful attitude. The "Flight Home" operation is ongoing. Thanks to the crews of LOT Polish Airlines, airport and air traffic control staff, and Polish diplomatic services, several thousand people have already returned to their families and loved ones in the country. This is proof that every citizen of the Republic can count on the help of their state. Dear Compatriots! We are facing one of the most difficult challenges of recent decades. We must protect not only life and health but also the material foundations of millions of Polish families' existence. Necessary solutions must be agreed upon and implemented immediately. This is not a time for programmatic disputes between parties. At this moment, we must act efficiently and decisively. Ensuring the financial security of Poles is among the absolute priorities. Today, I received the government's draft of a special act referred to as the "anti-crisis shield". It comprises a package of measures on an unprecedented scale. Hundreds of billions of zlotys are to be allocated for the protection of Polish households, for the protection of jobs, and for the continuity of Polish businesses – especially small and medium-sized ones. Given the significance of this legal act, I have convened a meeting of the National Security Council. On Monday, leaders of parliamentary groups will join representatives of the government and the authorities of the Sejm and Senate. We will discuss together the details of this important project – around which an agreement of all political forces must be forged. Ladies and Gentlemen! I am convinced that we will emerge from this trial with flying colors. That as a state and a nation, we will strengthen the bonds that connect us. That we will once again prove the great strength and capabilities of our community. Photo: Jakub Szymczuk/KPRP

https://twitter.com/MZ_GOV_PL/status/1241080889972580353

-- THE PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES A NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING ON THE ANTI-CRISIS SHIELD FOR MONDAY IN HIS ADDRESS. https://300polityka.pl/news/2020/03/20/pad-w-oredziu-zwolalem-posiedzenie-rbn-w-poniedzialek-do-przedstawicieli-rzadu-wladz-sejmu-i-senatu-dolacza-liderzy-ugrupowan-parlamentarnych-omowimy-razem-szczegoly-tego-waznego-projektu-wokol/ -- 300POLITYKA LIVEBLOG: THE PRIME MINISTER ANNOUNCES NEW GOVERNMENT DECISIONS, OUTLINES A PERSPECTIVE FOR REOPENING THE COUNTRY AFTER THE HOLIDAYS WHILE MAINTAINING DISCIPLINE. BŁASZCZAK ON THE OPPOSITION FOCUSED ON ITS OWN INTERESTS. BIELAN ON THE NEED TO DECIDE ON SOMETHING – EITHER CRITICIZE THE PRESIDENT FOR BEING ACTIVE OR KACZYŃSKI FOR BEING SILENT. https://300polityka.pl/live/2020/03/20/ ***** Polsat News Events -- A 27-YEAR-OLD WOMAN INFECTED WITH CORONAVIRUS DIED AT THE HOSPITAL IN ŁAŃCUT. -- SHE GAVE BIRTH A FEW DAYS AGO, HOWEVER, THE DIRECT CAUSE OF HER DEATH WAS SEPSIS, NOT CORONAVIRUS. -- THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH INITIALLY REPORTED THIS AS THE SIXTH CORONAVIRUS VICTIM IN POLAND, BUT THE INFORMATION WAS DENIED IN THE AFTERNOON – Monika Zalewska. -- THE NUMBER OF INFECTED PEOPLE IS INCREASING HOUR BY HOUR; THE VIRUS DOESN'T DISCRIMINATE – Zalewska continued. -- ONE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTERS OF AGRICULTURE RECEIVED A DIAGNOSIS; POSITIVE TESTS ALSO CAME BACK FOR THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT'S WIFE AND DAUGHTER – Zalewska. -- AFTER 18 DAYS, THE HOSPITAL IN ZIELONA GÓRA WAS LEFT BY MIECZYSŁAW OPAŁKA, WHO IS THE FIRST PATIENT IN POLAND DIAGNOSED WITH CORONAVIRUS – Zalewska continued. -- WE STILL DON'T KNOW WHAT NEXT WEEK'S PARLIAMENTARY SESSION WILL LOOK LIKE. -- THE IDEA FOR DEPUTIES TO GATHER AT THE NATIONAL STADIUM HAS BEEN REJECTED – Bogdan Rymanowski. -- THE PRIME MINISTER ANNOUNCED THE INTRODUCTION OF AN EPIDEMIC STATE AND THE EXTENSION OF THE SCHOOL BREAK UNTIL EASTER. -- THE GOVERNMENT IS EXPECTED TO PUBLISH THE ANTI-CRISIS PLAN AS A DRAFT LAW TODAY; THE DOCUMENT IS TO BE ADOPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT THROUGH CIRCULATION – Mira Skórka. -- DEPUTIES WILL HAVE TO MEET IN PARLIAMENT TO VOTE ON THIS LAW – Skórka continued. -- THERE WON'T BE 460 DEPUTIES FOR SURE; THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT HAS CORONAVIRUS, AND SEVERAL DEPUTIES ARE IN QUARANTINE, YET THERE ARE CONCERNS THAT CLOSE PROXIMITY IN THE PLENARY HALL MAY BE DANGEROUS – Skórka. -- THE MARSHAL OF THE SEJM REJECTED THE IDEA OF SESSIONS AT THE STADIUM; REMOTE VOTING WOULD BE SAFE, BUT IT IS AGAINST THE SEJM'S REGULATIONS UNLESS THE REGULATIONS ARE CHANGED – Skórka continued. -- THE PRESIDIUM OF THE SEJM MET IN THE AFTERNOON, BUT NOTHING WAS DEFINITIVELY DECIDED; A DECISION IS TO BE MADE ON TUESDAY – Skórka. -- THE PARLIAMENTARY SESSION HAS BEEN POSTPONED FROM WEDNESDAY TO FRIDAY; THE RULING PARTY HOPES THE ECONOMIC ANTI-CRISIS PLAN WILL BE ADOPTED SWIFTLY, BUT THE OPPOSITION FINDS WEAK POINTS IN IT – Skórka continued. -- PLATFORMA INTENDS TO SUBMIT ITS OWN ANTI-CRISIS LAW IN PARLIAMENT – Skórka. -- IN AN INTERVIEW WITH CNN, THE PRIME MINISTER ADMITTED THAT THE CORONAVIRUS EPIDEMIC COULD HAVE A FATAL IMPACT ON THE POLISH ECONOMY – Skórka continued. -- PRIME MINISTER MORAWIECKI ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE THAT SCHOOLS WILL REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL EASTER. ***** TVN Fakty -- THE GOVERNMENT IS EXTENDING SCHOOL CLOSURES AND INCREASING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING QUARANTINE – in the preview of the first report. -- MINISTRY OF DIGITIZATION APPLICATION. -- THE OPPOSITION DEMANDS A STATE OF EXCEPTION, WHILE DUDA IS CAMPAIGNING AND THE RULING PARTY BELIEVES THE SITUATION IS NOT EXCEPTIONAL – in the preview. -- HOW DO THEY IMAGINE ORGANIZING ALL OF THIS? -- THE SILENT LEADER OF THE RULING PARTY, ALSO ON THE ISSUE OF CORONAVIRUS – Jakub Sobieniowski. -- SOBIENIOWSKI ON PHOTOS OF KACZYŃSKI VOTING IN PREVIOUS ELECTIONS: WE SEE A CROWDED PARADISE FOR THE CORONAVIRUS SPREADING THROUGH DROPLETS. -- APART FROM THE VOTERS, 300,000 COMMISSION MEMBERS NEED TO BE ASSEMBLED AND TRAINED, AND SOME OF THEM BELONG TO RISK GROUPS – Sobieniowski. -- IT IS UNKNOWN HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE IN QUARANTINE IN MAY – Sobieniowski. -- VOTERS HAVE THE RIGHT TO ACCESS CANDIDATES, AND CANDIDATES TO A FAIR CAMPAIGN – Sobieniowski. -- REVIEW OF THE PRESIDENT'S ACTIVITIES OVER THE PAST WEEK. -- THIS IS A RISK, A THREAT, IT COULD EVEN CAUSE A NEW WAVE OF THE EPIDEMIC. -- ONE ATHLETE CAN RUN AND SCORE GOALS – Hołownia. -- ONE MONTH TO APPOINT MEMBERS OF THE ELECTORAL COMMISSIONS. -- THIS IS NOT CASH – WARNS THE OPPOSITION AND EXPERTS. -- THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD LISTEN – KRZYSZTOF SKÓRZYŃSKI: THERE ARE NO OVATIONS: The government should listen, because from the perspective of small entrepreneurs, the situation is clearly different than from the perspective of the prime minister's office or a few important ministers. There are no ovations from entrepreneurs when speaking of over 200 billion złoty to save the economy. You hear something else. -- NOT CAUSING PANIC, BUT A COOL ASSESSMENT: This is not about causing panic, but rather a cool assessment of what is most needed by employers and employees today. Especially since many of their opinions include the statement made by one of the largest employer associations: "we received a frighteningly small amount of concrete information." This was stated by the Employers of Poland organization. -- LET'S BREAK THE MYTH THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL THROW SO MUCH CASH, NO, THEY WON'T – SKÓRZYŃSKI: First of all, we must break the myth that the government will throw so much cash into the market. No, they won't. This 212 billion złoty includes, for example, the estimated value of deferred ZUS contributions or government loan guarantees. These are virtual monies. There might be a little over 60 billion złoty in actual cash. -- PUMPING IN 212 BILLION IS A MYTH – SKÓRZYŃSKI: Therefore, the belief that the government will soon inject 212 billion złoty in cash into the economy is a myth, not a reality. -- KOSINIAK: The "anti-crisis shield" is insufficient; we told the prime minister directly, it's made of cardboard. -- THE FACT THAT POLES CAN SPEND MONEY IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN GOVERNMENT BILLIONS – SKÓRZYŃSKI: The government, the opposition, and experts agree on one thing – the economy will be best helped if Poles continue to buy, order, and simply spend money. This is more important than state billions. -- ANIMALS DO NOT TRANSMIT THE VIRUS – the last report. ***** TVP Info News -- FROM TODAY, POLAND IS UNDER AN EPIDEMIC STATE, WHICH IS INTENDED TO HELP IN THE EFFECTIVE FIGHT AGAINST CORONAVIRUS. SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL EASTER, AND THE PENALTY FOR VIOLATING QUARANTINE WILL BE SEVERE – UP TO 30 THOUSAND ZŁOTYCH – preview. -- 411 CASES OF CORONAVIRUS HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED IN POLAND – Danuta Holecka continued. -- "PATIENT ZERO" LEFT THE HOSPITAL. HE IS COMPLETELY HEALTHY. -- ADDITIONAL POWERS WILL ALLOW THE MINISTER OF HEALTH TO COORDINATE THE ACTIONS OF MEDICAL SERVICES AND HOSPITALS MORE QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY – Maciej Sawicki. -- THE PRINCIPLE OF ZERO TOLERANCE APPLIES TO THOSE WHO VIOLATE QUARANTINE – Sawicki. -- TEACHING IN SCHOOLS WILL BE CONDUCTED REMOTELY, VIA THE INTERNET – Sawicki. -- THE NUMBER OF TESTS BEING PERFORMED IS INCREASING – Sawicki. -- QUARANTINE IS IN EFFECT THROUGHOUT THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM. CLOSE CONTACTS OF MINISTER MICHAŁ WOŚ ARE INFECTED – Sawicki. -- AS A GESTURE OF SOLIDARITY WITH ITALY, A SPECIAL ILLUMINATION WAS DISPLAYED ON THE FACADE OF THE PRESIDENTIAL PALACE – Sawicki. -- THE STATE WILL HELP EMPLOYEES AND ENTREPRENEURS IN OVERCOMING THE ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES OF THE EPIDEMIC. A RESCUE PLAN IS BEING DEVELOPED IN COOPERATION WITH ENTREPRENEURS AND TRADE UNIONS – preview. -- ALTHOUGH THE BUDGET PLAN WITHOUT A DEFICIT HAS TO BE POSTPONED FOR NOW, THE GOVERNMENT HAS THE ABILITY TO INCREASE EXPENDITURES WITHOUT WORRYING ABOUT THE STATE OF PUBLIC FINANCES – Damian Diaz. -- THE OPPOSITION IS PLAYING THE EPIDEMIC – banner. -- THERE ARE NO GROUNDS TO INTRODUCE A STATE OF EXCEPTION OR NATURAL DISASTER – STATES MICHAŁ DWORCZYK, RESPONDING TO OPPOSITION APPEALS – preview. -- KO POLITICIANS CLAIM THAT NOT ENOUGH TESTS DETECTING THE PRESENCE OF THE VIRUS ARE BEING PERFORMED. THEY BLAME THE GOVERNMENT FOR THIS – Marcin Szypszak. -- THEY FORGET THAT DURING THE PO-PSL GOVERNMENT, SANEPID LABORATORIES WERE BEING LIQUIDATED – Szypszak. -- DESPITE APPEALS, THE CAMPAIGN CONTINUES, AND SOME CANDIDATES ARE COLLECTING SIGNATURES OF SUPPORT – Szypszak. -- TWO HOSPITALS. IN BOTH, PART OF THE STAFF IS UNABLE TO WORK DUE TO CORONAVIRUS. THE HOSPITAL IN NOWE MIASTO NAD PILICĄ – DEPUTY MARSHAL STANISŁAW KARCZEWSKI IS READY TO HELP – preview. -- AT THE CENTRAL CLINICAL HOSPITAL IN WARSAW, IT IS ALREADY KNOWN THAT THE SOURCE OF THE VIRUS IS THE CHIEF NURSE. AFTER A VACATION IN ITALY, EVEN THOUGH HIS WIFE HAD SYMPTOMS, HE APPEARED AT WORK. THIS BEHAVIOR IS SIMILAR TO WHAT MARSHAL TOMASZ GRODZKI PRESENTED A FEW DAYS AGO – Holecka continued. -- WHEN THE HOSPITAL IN NOWE MIASTO LACKED PERSONNEL, KARCZEWSKI STEPPED IN TO HELP – Marcin Tulicki.