Today, the so-called economic defrosting plan is set to be presented, as announced yesterday by Prime Minister Morawiecki. "Tomorrow, we will present a detailed plan concerning both the upcoming week and outline our proposals for subsequent phases of changes to restrictions over the next few weeks, approximately until mid-May," stated the head of the Polish government at a press conference.The Sejm will resume its session at 9:00 AM with questions on current affairs. At 11:15 AM, topical information is scheduled, followed by a two-hour voting block at 1:00 PM, during which motions to reject or refer citizen bills, debated by the Sejm yesterday, will most likely be voted on. A break is scheduled for 3:00 PM. The Sejm will reconvene at 6:00 PM to hear committee reports on Senate resolutions concerning two special acts related to the coronavirus. It can be assumed that amendments from the upper house will be voted on thereafter. Thursday also marks the second day of the Senate's session, with a resumption of proceedings at 11:00 AM.

„Minister Szumowski announced that he would present his recommendation regarding the elections in the post-holiday period. It is clear, and we see it in other countries, that holding traditional elections today carries too great a risk. Other countries, which like Poland are in an election period, are adopting and implementing solutions for postal voting” - said the Head of the Prime Minister's Chancellery, Minister Michał Dworczyk, on Radio Jedynka.

„Today, the Prime Minister will present the stages of lifting restrictions that were introduced in connection with the coronavirus epidemic. The first stage, in which certain restrictions will be lifted, will be presented most precisely, and subsequent stages will be introduced according to the possibilities and the situation prevailing in the country. After each decision, we will conduct an evaluation and adjust subsequent decisions to the situation. Currently, a number of countries in Europe are making such decisions to loosen the regime of regulations that introduced a series of restrictions, but perhaps the most appropriate way to describe this is that we are entering a new reality and will certainly function in this reality for many months” - said the Head of the Prime Minister's Chancellery, Minister Michał Dworczyk, on Jedynka radio.

- It's not just about starting now, but it should have been started earlier, because organizing the entire system will take some time. It's not as simple as saying today that we've overcome it. To safely emerge and release, as I call it, to liberate the nation, requires a bit of hard work, a whole system for controlling the epidemic needs to be created. I call this epidemic management, because it will persist. There's no point in deluding ourselves that it will disappear, but the goal is for us to be in control of it, not the virus controlling us - stated Andrzej Sośnierz in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego" program.

- To tackle this problem, we must create a structure to combat this epidemic. What does that entail? First and foremost, we need to identify and isolate all infected individuals. This means not only those who have symptoms but also those who do not. They are even more dangerous. They are unaware, and they are spreading the epidemic. Therefore, a system needs to be established for identifying all infected individuals and their contacts, followed by their isolation from society, and of course, testing to determine which of those suspected of having the epidemic are actually ill, which are not, who is infected, and who is not - he continued.

"This month, these regulations will be changed to some extent, and we will have to get used to functioning in this new reality. As Minister Szumowski said yesterday, we will most likely have to live with the coronavirus until an effective vaccine is invented and created. This is a perspective of a year, perhaps even two" - said the Head of the Prime Minister's Chancellery, Minister Michał Dworczyk, on Jedynka radio.

- At the moment, it seems that elections by traditional methods are absolutely impossible to conduct in May. Postal elections are undoubtedly safer. I voted in favour now, but it is also a test of the state's efficiency – whether we can organize them well in such a short time. Our doubts concerned the belief that we thought postal elections could not be efficiently conducted in such a short time, but let's wait – stated Andrzej Sośnierz in an interview with Konrad Piasecki on TVN24's "Rozmowa Piaseckiego".

- Final decisions have not been made, because they will be made today. They will be communicated today. I can say what we are discussing. This is how reality looks, I'm telling it as it is. I think that in the first instance, already from next Monday, we can expect the opening of forests, squares, green areas, and boulevards, where we could engage in outdoor activities. It will not be possible to gather. These restrictions concerning the number of people, distances, and masks will probably remain in force all the time. The second matter, which is most probable, is a change in the limit of people in shops, dependent not on the number of checkouts, but on the area - said Jacek Sasin in an interview with Robert Mazurek on RMF FM's "Morning Interview".

- Not yet. That's all I can say for now. We haven't discussed it yet. This is something for later, only after the issues we've just talked about. Schools are very large gatherings of people, and it is too risky at the moment - said Jacek Sasin in an interview with Robert Mazurek on RMF FM's "Morning Interview".

- It will likely take a few days for the prices to converge, because the free market works flawlessly here - said Jacek Sasin in a conversation with Robert Mazurek on RMF FM's "Morning Talk".

- But a free market at the post office? Shouldn't the post office, I don't know, perhaps not seek easy profit here, but help people?

- There is absolutely no question of any easy profit. It's also the case that we are acquiring. We don't produce the quantities of masks we need. We have to import them from abroad.

- I understand, but if they cost around 10 PLN, do you mean you're importing them from Christian Dior or Gucci?

- No, probably not from Christian Dior. These are completely different suppliers. The post office is absolutely not aiming for any profit here. However, it's hard to expect state-owned companies, including the post office, to keep subsidizing losses indefinitely.

The Post Office will be ready, because of course these preparations are ongoing – said Jacek Sasin in an interview with Robert Mazurek on RMF FM's "Morning Conversation". - Does that mean it isn't ready today? - Are the elections tomorrow or today? The elections are on May 10th, so we will be ready by then. We have a schedule. I see no threats from the Post Office today that could prevent these elections from taking place.

• Today, the Prime Minister will present this plan for defrosting, and we will communicate it in the early afternoon. It will be sequential. Yesterday, the European Commission presented conditions that must be met for the economy to be defrosted, including elements related to so-called tracking, meaning monitoring individuals at risk and infected, introducing tests, sequentially reopening the economy, while simultaneously checking how the opening is working, and if more cases appear, the possibility of withdrawing. Therefore, we will certainly apply these proposals, and they will be adequate. In the first instance, I believe we can say that the opening will primarily concern leisure spaces, those spaces that, considering the weather and our physical condition, allow for the use of parks or forests, albeit in a new format with social distancing recommendations – stated Jadwiga Emilewicz in an interview with Beata Michniewicz on "Salon polityczny Trójki".
• Certainly, these openings will be sequential, as I said. Not everything in the first week. This will be a program spread over several stages, and naturally, with each stage, we will wait. We know that the incubation period of the virus is 14 days, during which its impact can be observed, and these sequences will be approximately every 14 days – the Deputy Prime Minister continued.

- Yes, we are working on it [another special act] at the Ministry of Development. This package will contain several key elements. Further simplifications for entrepreneurs, primarily those concerning the use of standstill support, and I would also like to emphasize that the solutions adopted, which came into effect on April 1st, are truly enjoying enormous interest today. We have over half a million applications for exemption from social security contributions submitted and already processed. Almost half a million entrepreneurs did not have to pay contributions in April. We have over 140,000 standstill benefits for individuals running businesses - stated Jadwiga Emilewicz in an interview with Beata Michniewicz on "Trójka's Political Salon".

"PiS is pushing for the election to be held on May 10th, creating a lot of noise around it. On the other hand, they are preparing a plan for postal voting, which will be incredibly difficult to implement. It's clear they are also making other proposals. I think the goal here is to introduce a certain level of chaos, so that we talk about the election instead of what concerns our fellow citizens," said Rafał Trzaskowski in an interview with Beata Lubecka on the program "Gość Radia ZET".

- Entering into constitutional change talks with Jarosław Kaczyński is incredibly risky, because this man has no respect for the constitution. Hence our position. We have been repeating this for many weeks: there is a solution. Specifically, a solution concerning a state of natural disaster, and this is a solution that should be adopted by those in power if they want to behave responsibly, rather than play with the constitution. Jarosław Gowin is one of the few politicians on that side of the political scene who at least had the courage to say that the May 10th elections could not take place. For this, he certainly deserves recognition - said Rafał Trzaskowski in an interview with Beata Lubecka on the program 'Gość Radia ZET'.

- Every major opposition party has its candidate. I believe that Kidawa-Błońska has a huge chance to win against Andrzej Duda, provided there are equal opportunities, that there will be several months for a normal election campaign, and then I am absolutely confident that Kidawa-Błońska will not only make it to the second round but also has a significant chance to compete with Andrzej Duda - said Rafał Trzaskowski in an interview with Beata Lubecka on the program "Gość Radia ZET".

"The simplest solutions cause the most pain for this government. The question is why? There are two possible answers. Either it contradicts their economic philosophy. I am convinced of this. They have the habit of a grand engineer, a central planner, who will decide which company deserves help and which does not, even in a crisis. Or these are actions that are partly feigned and constructed in such a way as to look impressive in the media, but to spend as little money as possible on them in practice" - said Krzysztof Bosak, the Confederation's presidential candidate, in an interview with Jacek Prusinowski on Radio Plus. 

"From the very beginning, we've been highlighting the fact that there is no revealed strategy. A strategy can be bad or good. It can be modified in the meantime, but it's good that there was one at all, because then entrepreneurs know how to plan anything, and at the moment, predictions are worthless when it's unclear whether to rebuild turnover from May or June. What good will the government's economic packages do, where there are hard commitments written that entrepreneurs can accept help, but only if they don't reduce their crews? But how are they supposed to know whether to reduce them or not, if they don't know if these crews are even necessary for them?" - said Krzysztof Bosak, the Confederation's presidential candidate, in an interview with Jacek Prusinowski on Radio Plus. 

https://twitter.com/MZ_GOV_PL/status/1250695819579228160

https://twitter.com/MZ_GOV_PL/status/1250695823018668034

- Yesterday, the hell that women daily experience when they want to exercise their right to decide about their lives and health moved here, to the Sejm. We heard words that not only should never have been uttered in this place, but should never be uttered towards anyone. Those who want to introduce the most barbaric law imaginable, a law stripping women of the ability to decide about their lives and health, used the worst words to describe women. Here in parliament, we saw what the average Polish woman encounters daily, we heard words that women wanting to exercise their right to health and life often hear from many who, driven by their insane ideology, by some mandates, try to limit the rights of others. We, as The Left, are the only ones with a clear stance. There's no such thing as an abortion compromise. There's women's hell, and we will always protest against this women's hell – stated Robert Biedroń at a briefing in the Sejm.

- We will vote against the introduction of such legislation. What's more, we will submit draft laws to amend the current act in this regard. We will finally ensure that women in Poland have the same rights, Polish women will have the same rights as Belgian, French, or Swedish women, because if we agreed on equality, then this equality should also apply to this sphere, the sphere concerning decisions about their health. We will not allow any political taliban, religious fanatics to decide about women's bellies, bodies, health, and lives, because it is their matter and their choice. Women have the right to make such decisions and I appeal to the entire opposition, to all people of good will, that today in these votes we make an important decision and unanimously vote for the rejection of this project. There is no third way here. It's either or. We are either for women's hell or against women's hell - stated Robert Biedroń at a briefing in the Sejm.

This confirms yesterday's reports from 300POLITYKA.

https://twitter.com/PremierRP/status/1250720836350283777

„How terribly wrong things are in a state where, under the guise of a pandemic, they try to build policy on people's misfortune, how the Polish state lies morning, evening, and night about testing. They say Poland can test up to 20,000. They test a dozen or so, and recently 4-5 thousand a day. Why is this happening? This is the first question we want to ask the Ministry of Health. Since you can do more and there are people who expect testing, there are people who demand the possibility of testing, there are healthcare workers who should be tested, why aren't you testing? Minister Szumowski's words that they are not coming forward are untrue” - said Barbara Nowacka from Inicjatywa Polska at a press conference in the Sejm.

„Tests are still not visible in Poland. A capacity of 20,000 per day. The reality is that 4-6 thousand are conducted. The political thesis must be stated: all signs point to the Polish state having decided to inform the public about a limited number of cases by restricting the number of tests. The worst thing that can happen to a society in a state of epidemic is a government that lies” - added Cezary Tomczyk from Koalicja Obywatelska (KO). 

On the Sejm’s website, a draft amendment to the Constitution has been posted, prepared by MPs and experts from Porozumienie. This draft proposes a systemic change, involving the introduction of a single seven-year presidential term without the possibility of re-election, while simultaneously extending Andrzej Duda’s term by 2 years, with the stipulation that the current president would not run in the next election. We maintain the view that this is, at present, the decidedly best solution to the dilemma we face as a state and society – Jarosław Gowin stated at a briefing in the Sejm. - May 10th is a bad date [for holding the presidential election], but in a situation where no one in the government wants to introduce a state of emergency, the only legally compliant way to postpone the election date is to amend the Constitution. We are proposing a solution that is systemic in nature, and at the same time postpones the election to a period which, according to all experts, scientists, and epidemiologists, is already a safe period – he continued.

- I want to state that together with my colleagues, I will begin official consultations today with representatives of all clubs and parties represented in the Sejm, both with representatives of the opposition and representatives of the governing camp. We will persuade all MPs that the historical moment and the immense scale of responsibility placed upon us politicians, regardless of whether we represent the governing camp or the opposition, demands rising above particular interests and requires support for the solutions we propose - stated Jarosław Gowin at a briefing in the Sejm.

“Today, I will submit a citizen’s motion to the Chancellery of the Prime Minister to introduce a state of emergency, a state of natural disaster, on the territory of Poland, in accordance with Article 232 of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland. I encourage all of us citizens of the Republic of Poland, for whom the constitution and order in the state are dear, and for whom matters in our country, even in these difficult times, should not be handled hastily, nor be patches on subsequent decisions or press conferences by Prime Minister Morawiecki, but rather for us to truly rely on a social contract, which is absolutely fundamental in our social life” – said presidential candidate Szymon Hołownia at a press conference.

„We can give our voice. I encourage us to clearly give that voice today. Let's submit these applications to the Prime Minister. Let him hear our voice. Let it finally not just be waving a fist at the television and commenting on Facebook that while we are putting out the fire in our home, they are stealing our family heirlooms at this moment. They are taking away what we hold most precious from our home, because they think that if they give us a break for three months, we'll agree to them stealing our democracy in the meantime” - said presidential candidate Szymon Hołownia at a press conference.

“The constitutional amendment is turning the Republic of Poland into Dudastan. It's turning it into a country where completely unheard-of rules in the civilized world will apply. Do you know what PiS's plan is? It's glaringly obvious. They want to hold fraudulent, false, postal elections on May 10th, and then they will propose to the opposition to vote for this constitutional amendment, thereby fixing the situation, invalidating the elections that just took place” – said presidential candidate Szymon Hołownia at a press conference.

Today, what Poles are waiting for is the entire political elite, and primarily the government, to focus on the fight for security, health, and economic security, jobs, and salary payments for all Poles. The proposal prepared by Porozumienie is the best compromise proposal for Poland today. It is also a good proposal for discussion for all political elites. We are saying that let the government, together with the opposition, solve the most urgent problems of Poles - stated Jadwiga Emilewicz at a briefing in the Sejm. - We are saying that let the government, together with the opposition, solve the most urgent problems of Poles. Just as today in the Senate we are working together on another law that is to help Polish entrepreneurs and Polish employees to stay in the market in the coming months, and we are working on it together. Therefore, in a similar way, we encourage and appeal to the opposition to adopt solutions that are best from the perspective of the Polish system and the current state of the Polish economy and Polish health. The solution concerning the postponement and extension of the presidential term, as stipulated by the constitution, is also something that Poles are waiting for today. We know this, we follow it, we observe it, and we are in dialogue every day. I am conducting a series of discussions with entrepreneurs, not only on legislative changes but also on their expectation that the extension of this term is something that appears most sensible today - the Deputy Prime Minister continued.

In a block of votes, the Sejm decided to send four citizen-led projects to committees: a proposal to tighten abortion law, the so-called Anti-447 Act, an amendment to the Penal Code aimed at "ensuring legal protection for children and youth against sexual depravity and demoralization," and the Hunting Law – with the intention of introducing the possibility of hunting in the presence or with the participation of children under 18 years of age with the consent of parents or legal guardians. The fifth citizen-led project, sponsored by the Polish Teachers' Union (ZNP), was already sent to committee yesterday.

As we reported on 300POLITYCE, the Sejm did not agree to reject the citizen's bill to tighten abortion law, but it also did not agree to an immediate second reading. However, 52 MPs from the PiS club supported this latter motion – including the Ziobro faction. The project was therefore sent to committee.

We want to present and inform you about the submission of a bill for free access to protective masks. From today, in all public places, when leaving home, every Polish citizen residing in our country must wear a mask, have their face covered. This is a decision introduced by the government, so the government must take responsibility for providing free masks. It is the mask that provides the greatest protection. Not a scarf, but a professional mask offers a chance for protection, a proper fulfillment of the requirement that has been communicated by the Minister of Health, the Prime Minister. For this to happen, every one of our compatriots must have access to this mask, not pay for it, 6, 7, 10 PLN, the prices vary. After all, one mask will not be enough for us for the entire duration of this epidemic, this obligation, so even more so the state's role at such a time is to ensure free masks. This is the task of the Minister of Health in agreement with the voivodes, of course in cooperation with local governments, such masks should be delivered. This is not happening today. The government has not prepared us, Poland, for the free delivery and distribution of masks. In other countries, such a situation has occurred, for instance in the Czech Republic, masks were delivered to the mailboxes for every resident. Today, we are submitting a relevant bill in this regard, but we are not just waiting for its adoption - stated Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz at a briefing in the Sejm. - Masks must be worn starting today. That is why our local government officials and parliamentarians are reaching out and distributing these masks in cooperation with local governments. For example, Paweł Kukiz is doing this today in Lewin Brzeski in the Opole Voivodeship. Together with the mayor, they are reaching out to the residents of the municipality, delivering these masks. In this way, they are trying to compensate for the government's ineptitude in this regard, to support their residents, and this is happening in many places, for which I sincerely thank all local government officials and all people of good will, non-governmental organizations, entrepreneurs who have decided to support residents of, for example, their town or their municipality, district or voivodeship in this way. It is very important that this situation, where local government officials, people of good will are taking on the delivery, purchase, and free distribution of masks, is not just a matter of impulse, but is supported by this law, which we can still adopt today, work on today. It is a very short law - the PSL chairman continued. 

„I wanted to thank the Prime Minister and the President of the Industry Agency for carrying out this joint, incredibly important work. Moments ago, we had a meeting via the Internet with representatives of Polish companies participating today in the Polish Sewing Rooms initiative, an initiative to sew masks. There have been many questions recently, when information appeared in the public space that wearing masks would be mandatory, where these masks would come from, where we would get them, and whether Poland would be able to provide them for citizens. As you can see, not only imported masks, not only China, not only large planes, although I am immensely grateful to all Polish companies that have recently joined the process of delivering masks from various parts of the world to Poland. Diplomatically, I myself participated in unblocking transport routes so that we could obtain these masks, primarily for healthcare, for doctors, nurses, and medical services. Today, we need masks for all citizens, and I am glad that we will be producing them in Poland” - said President Andrzej Duda at a briefing.

https://twitter.com/PolskiSenat/status/1250791308156944384

- Marshal Grodzki aligns with Grzegorz Schetyna's doctrine of total opposition, criticizing everything. I am not surprised by this, but I am surprised that he is withholding a vote on a bill that is essentially in line with PO's thinking, as Senator Grodzki himself advocated for postal voting on multiple occasions during the previous term – said Adam Bielan in an interview with Adrian Klarenbach on Polish Radio 24.

- There are no negotiations here. It is a proposal negotiated within the United Right by Mr. Jarosław Gowin. It is no longer subject to further negotiations. Opposition leaders who claim that the elections should be postponed have a moment where we can say "checkmate" and they can define themselves in this way. This is the only way to postpone the elections. If this proposal is rejected, the elections will be held in May - said Adam Bielan in a conversation with Adrian Klarenbach on Polskie Radio 24.

- Following today's decision by Marshal Grodzki, who has prevented work on the bill during the current Senate session and indeed wishes to keep his word and maliciously hold onto this bill until the very end, until May 6th, this May 10th deadline is less realistic. I believe that from today, a later date, which will likely be May 17th, should be considered more realistic. In theory, May 23rd is still a possibility - said Adam Bielan in an interview with Adrian Klarenbach on Polskie Radio 24.

- President Andrzej Duda keeps his word; he has decided to participate in such a debate, so I can officially confirm as the campaign spokesperson that President Andrzej Duda will participate in this debate organized by public television on May 6th - said Adam Bielan in an interview with Adrian Klarenbach on Polish Radio 24.

https://twitter.com/MZ_GOV_PL/status/1250809777049001988

https://twitter.com/MZ_GOV_PL/status/1250809779968237571

"In Poland, this is 200 people per million inhabitants, in the Czech Republic about 600, in Italy and Spain over 3 thousand, in all of Western Europe it is a significantly larger number than in Poland. Thanks to this, we have time for adjustments in the Polish healthcare system, for buying new equipment. This period was very important because we largely managed to control the uncontrolled, very rapid increases that we saw in France, Germany, and especially in Spain and Italy. Therefore, today it is worth looking at reality as constantly marked by great uncertainty, as a tightrope walk, as some epidemiologists in Poland say, cautious steps forward, but precisely forward" - Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said at a press conference.

„Within the framework of the new economic reality, we want to propose certain new rules today. In a symbolic way, this new reality can be called the principle of three 'i's. This is isolation, identification, and informatization. Isolation – we know this perfectly well, we must maintain the proper distance, but also these masks, which from today are mandatory on public transport and outdoors. They are mandatory to reduce the probability of coronavirus transmission. Identification – we will increasingly try to master the art of examining who has had contact with whom. Here, we are implementing an application for people in quarantine, and thanks to this, we will be able to know more and more about who could have been potentially infected, plus a few additional issues. Informatization – as much remote work as possible, where it can be performed, as many digital processes as possible, to avoid direct contact” - said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a press conference.

"It would be extremely difficult to achieve these goals separately, namely full freedom of movement without tracking, studying the movement of people, who contacted whom, who potentially could infect someone else, while simultaneously limiting the coronavirus epidemic and quickly reopening the economy" - said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a press conference.

“From April 20th, we are entering a new phase of gradual lifting of certain restrictions. As part of a comprehensive return to a new normal, a new economic reality, we have several new announcements. Firstly, the opening of forests and parks. However, let's not treat this as an invitation to uncontrolled recreation or extensive outings. This is intended to improve mental health comfort for people, and that's how we approach it. Secondly, eased regulations in retail. Retail is very important today. We are stocking up on essential goods, food, and sanitary items. Here, we want to slightly liberalize these rules so that in shops up to 100 square meters, it will be possible to serve 4 customers per checkout, and in shops over 100 square meters – 1 person per 15 square meters. At the same time, shop employees will undergo health checks, in particular temperature measurements, and all disinfection measures must be maintained, and even strengthened. The rule of 1 person per 15 square meters will apply in churches” – said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a press conference.

“We want to apply an exemption from mask-wearing for farmers. Farmers are entering their spring and summer work. The distance is naturally much greater there, and with the work they do, it is important to apply this exemption. In the countryside, there are naturally fewer opportunities for close-contact interactions compared to cities” - said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a press conference.

"Assuming a more optimistic scenario, we intend to present further stages of easing restrictions at certain time intervals, perhaps weekly, perhaps bi-weekly, depending on certain criteria. These stages, which we are outlining briefly today, will involve further reducing restrictions. Reducing, easing, but simultaneously maintaining this new system, this coronavirus regime, which imposes certain additional obligations on all of us. From an economic perspective, this will mean that in the first phase, we demonstrated how work can be performed in industrial workplaces or shared service centers while ensuring sanitary conditions and social distancing. Now, in subsequent stages, we will open up crafts, then retail, and finally services, and at the very end, services like tattoo parlors, piercing studios, or massage parlors" - said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a press conference.

„Today we are presenting four stages for achieving greater economic and social opening, but we must reserve the possibility that if the situation improves, if the curve [of infections] flattens faster, or even if the infection curve falls, we will be able to accelerate the easing of social and economic rules. If this does not happen, then we will have to wait a bit longer for the next stages of easing” – said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a press conference.

“Today, we are also showing a path that I wish were full of hope, but it must simultaneously mean that we maintain social discipline. This hope is a return to relatively normal functioning in the economy and society. Certain restrictions will still be in place for a long time – prohibitions on gatherings, concerts, and meetings where we know that coronavirus transmission has occurred in Western Europe. Where we are certain that it will not lead to a rapid increase in infections, as in the stages we are presenting and in the easing of certain activities, we are deciding on such changes” – said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a press conference.

“We have left behind a difficult time of sacrifice, but ahead of us also lies a difficult time of fighting coronavirus within the framework of restrictions that we want to ease. It is clearly visible that Polish society is reacting very well to the obligation of quarantine and social distancing, and is responding appropriately to the restrictions. Today, we are convinced that we can rationally relax some of them, sending a signal that a certain type of behavior must remain with us for longer. The fight against coronavirus isn't over, but we are moving to a counter-offensive” – said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki at a press conference.

- The Prime Minister presented this plan, these stages. They do not mean that the epidemic is ending. We will have to learn to live with the epidemic for the foreseeable future, or a longer period. There is no data that could say with complete certainty that the epidemic will die out in a month, two, or five months - said Łukasz Szumowski during a press conference.

- This plan does not have specific dates. Our neighbors provided specific dates, we consciously did not include these dates because the transition from one stage to another depends on the number of infections - the minister added.

- In accordance with Article 13a of the Act on the Supreme Court, if candidates have not been nominated by the General Assembly according to the provisions of the Act, the President shall immediately entrust the performance of the duties of the First President of the Supreme Court to a judge of the Supreme Court indicated by him - Paweł Mucha, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office, confirms our reports in an interview with 300.

- Such a judge, who has been entrusted with the performance of duties, has an obligation to convene a general assembly and indicate candidates to the President - he adds.

- It is surprising and astonishing that the duties will be taken over, as announced by the First President and the spokesperson of the Supreme Court, because this simply cannot happen in such a situation if the President uses his statutory competences - Mucha says.

Article 13a of the Act reads: "If candidates for the position of First President of the Supreme Court have not been elected in accordance with the rules specified in the Act, the President of the Republic of Poland shall immediately entrust the performance of the duties of the First President of the Supreme Court to a judge of the Supreme Court indicated by him."

- The President does not accept the interpretation put forward by the outgoing First President of the Supreme Court and the spokesperson of the Supreme Court, that the function of the First President of the Supreme Court will be held by the judge with the longest tenure, and will use his prerogatives - 300POLITYKA has previously heard from a trusted associate of the head of state.

Małgorzata Gersdorf presented her interpretation in an interview with Krzysztof Sobczak for prawo.pl: "There is no risk that the Supreme Court will be left without leadership. If a First President is not appointed, then after my departure, based on Article 14 paragraph 2 of the Act on the Supreme Court, the duties will be taken over by the president managing a chamber with the longest tenure."

A source for 300POLITYKA at the Presidential Palace tells us that the President fundamentally disagrees with this interpretation and it can be stated with high probability that he will use his prerogatives. This was confirmed to 300POLITYKA shortly afterwards by presidential minister Paweł Mucha.

- Covering our faces in public places, where we come into contact with another person, to protect others. Secondly, disinfecting surfaces and hands as often as possible. Thirdly, maintaining distance. Fourthly, quarantining or isolating, depending on whether we have been in contact with someone ill or are ill ourselves. The next point is protecting the weakest and most vulnerable individuals, those most at risk of complications, i.e., the elderly and the sick. And of course, using remote work forms as much as possible. These are the principles we must learn to live with for at least the next year, perhaps a year and a half, if not two years - said Łukasz Szumowski during a press conference. 

- We will not return to pre-epidemic times until we have a vaccine, but we will successively increase the possibility of using shops and galleries, but under sanitary regimes regarding the number of people per commercial space, with sanitary regimes for covering faces, maintaining distance, and disinfecting surfaces. A full return to normalcy will only happen when the epidemic disappears - stated Łukasz Szumowski at a press conference at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister (KPRM).

The state must function, we must have modern medicines, modern therapies. We must also have the funds for these modern medicines, modern therapies. Medicine is linked to finances worldwide, including in Poland. Therefore, within a year or a year and a half, we cannot afford complete isolation for such a long time. We must introduce rules for functioning as safely as possible - Łukasz Szumowski said during a press conference.

- When there's a vaccine - stated Łukasz Szumowski at a press conference at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister (KPRM), when asked when the obligation to wear masks will be lifted.

Everything is possible. Poles are a capable nation and we can achieve a great deal. If Germany and Switzerland have done it, and if it is done in the United States, then we too can implement postal voting. I see no obstacles to us trying. After all, we have some time. Of course, this time is limited. At the moment, we have learned that the Senate session has been scheduled by Marshal Grodzki at the last possible moment - said Stanisław Karczewski in an interview with Dorota Gawryluk on the program "Gość Wydarzeń" on Polsat News. I think we will convince the citizens and the Polish people, but also our coalition partner, and the opposition as well - added the former Marshal of the Senate.

-- THE PRESIDENT WILL USE HIS PREROGATIVES AND APPOINT AN ACTING PRESIDENT AFTER GERSDORF'S TERM EXPIRES - MUCHA CONFIRMS REPORTS FROM 300: https://300polityka.pl/live/2020/04/16/300-nieoficjalnie-prezydent-nie-uznaje-interpretacji-gersdorf-ze-funkcje-i-prezesa-sn-bedzie-sprawowal-najstarszy-stazem-prezes-sn-i-skorzysta-ze-swoich-prerogatyw/ -- 300POLITYKA LIVEBLOG: KARCZEWSKI ON THE POSSIBILITY OF HOLDING ELECTIONS SZUMOWSKI: MASKS UNTIL THE VACCINE PRIME MINISTER ON FULL SOCIAL DISCIPLINE AS A CONDITION FOR REOPENING BIELAN CONFIRMS PRESIDENT'S PARTICIPATION IN THE TVP DEBATE ON MAY 6 https://300polityka.pl/live/2020/04/16/ ***** PULS POLSATU (Polsat News) -- THE GOVERNMENT'S PLAN FOR A GRADUAL RETURN TO NORMALITY, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON "GRADUAL". -- THE PRIME MINISTER HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT RESTRICTIONS WILL BE LIFTED STARTING APRIL 20. -- EVACUATION OF 60 WARDS FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE HOME IN DRZEWICA, EVACUATION IS ALSO UNDERWAY AT THE MAZOWIECKI SPECIALIST HOSPITAL IN RADOM. -- FROM TODAY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, WE HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO COVER OUR FACES. -- SCHOOLS ARE AND WILL REMAIN CLOSED. -- AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION AND EXTENDING PRESIDENT DUDA'S TERM BY 2 YEARS IS A PROPOSAL FROM THE RULING PARTY ADDRESSED TO THE OPPOSITION. -- JAROSŁAW GOWIN ARGUES THAT THE ONLY REAL WAY TO POSTPONE THE ELECTIONS IS TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION; THE DRAFT PRESENTED TWO WEEKS AGO HAS BEEN WAITING FOR ITS FIRST READING SINCE YESTERDAY - Grzegorz Kępka. -- ACCORDING TO THE AUTHORS OF THE DRAFT, A COMPROMISE MEANS POSTPONING THE ELECTIONS BY TWO YEARS, EXTENDING ANDRZEJ DUDA'S TERM, AND STATING THAT HE WILL NOT RUN FOR RE-ELECTION - Kępka continued. -- AN IDEA WITHOUT OPPOSITION SUPPORT IS DOOMED TO FAILURE - Kępka. -- THE OPPOSITION DEMANDS THE INTRODUCTION OF A STATE OF NATURAL DISASTER, WHICH WOULD AUTOMATICALLY POSTPONE THE ELECTIONS - Kępka continued. -- JAROSŁAW GOWIN HAS INDICATED THAT HE MAY NOT AGREE TO POSTAL VOTING IN MAY - Kępka. -- THE HEAD OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION APOLOGIZES FOR THE FIRST TIME FOR THE DELAYED AID TO COUNTRIES BATTLING THE EPIDEMIC AND PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE DOCTORS FIGHTING THE CORONAVIRUS. ***** FAKTY TVN (TVN Facts) -- MOST OF US STILL WON'T GO TO WORK NORMALLY; THE GOVERNMENT WILL GRADUALLY REOPEN THE ECONOMY - in the preview. -- IT IS THE MANDATE TO COVER FACES THAT HAS ALLOWED FOR A SLIGHT RELAXATION OF PROHIBITIONS, ONLY SLIGHT, BECAUSE THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE MINISTER OF HEALTH, WHO HAS THE FINAL SAY, WAS SIMPLE: DO NOT RUSH - Krzysztof Skórzyński. -- SKÓRZYŃSKI ON THE "THAW" IN THE COMING ANNOUNCEMENTS. -- THE RISK WAS DEEMED TOO HIGH - Skórzyński on subsequent stages. -- THE DATES OF THE NEXT STAGES ARE UNKNOWN - Skórzyński. -- THERE IS NO DATE FOR RETURNING TO THE PRE-CORONAVIRUS WORLD TODAY - Skórzyński. -- MOST BUSINESS OWNERS ARE BEGGING FOR A MORE PRECISE PLAN - Skórzyński. -- 7-8 BILLION DAILY - estimated business losses. -- SOMEONE MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS DECISION, WITH AWARENESS OF THE CONSEQUENCES, INCLUDING LEGAL ONES - in the preview. -- THIS TIME JAROSŁAW KACZYŃSKI HAS COMPLIED WITH WHAT EVERYONE MUST COMPLY WITH - Jakub Sobieniowski on PJK wearing a mask. -- AT THE NEXT SESSION, THE GOVERNMENT ADDRESSED THE ORGANIZATION OF ELECTIONS DURING THE PLAGUE - Sobieniowski. -- THERE IS NO NEED TO AMEND THE CONSTITUTION; A SINGLE DECISION FROM GOWIN'S POLITICAL COLLEAGUES IS ENOUGH - Sobieniowski. -- THE MINISTER OF HEALTH IS DELAYING THE RECOMMENDATION AND ARGUES THAT HE IS ALSO WAITING FOR A RECOMMENDATION FROM JAROSŁAW PINKAS, WHO BECAME FAMOUS FOR HIS WORDS ABOUT ICE IN HIS UNDERPANTS - Sobieniowski. -- THIS IS REALITY: THE POST OFFICE IN GDAŃSK AND THE QUEUE AT IT, THE POST OFFICE IN WARSAW, AND THIS REALITY MUST BE CONFRONTED WITH THE ASSURANCES OF PIS POLITICIANS - Sobieniowski. -- MAIL CARRIERS ARE TO KNOCK ON THE DOORS OF THOSE IN QUARANTINE, AND LET'S HOPE THEY HAVE OUTFITS LIKE THE ONE IN THE FACTS GRAPHIC - Sobieniowski on another graphic showing the PiS logo next to a virus. -- JAROSŁAW KACZYŃSKI RECEIVED A FUNNY CAT-THEMED MASK IN THE SEJM - Sobieniowski. -- EVACUATION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE HOME. -- NURSE, SINGLE MOTHER PUNISHED: Nurse Anna Kacprzak, under threat of penalty, was ordered to report to work. The woman raises a child alone and could not go to work at the Social Welfare Home for a month. She now has to pay a five thousand zloty fine. -- JAROSŁAW KOSTKOWSKI ON RADZIWIŁŁ: The governor defends his decision, but it contradicts the regulations he cites. ***** WIADOMOŚCI TVP (TVP Info) -- 336 NEW CORONAVIRUS INFECTIONS. FROM TODAY, WE ALL HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO COVER OUR FACES IN PUBLIC SPACES. THE COOPERATION BETWEEN THE PRESIDENT AND POLISH COMPANIES HAS RESULTED IN AN AGREEMENT THANKS TO WHICH SEVERAL MILLION MASKS WILL BE PRODUCED IN POLAND EVERY WEEK - preview. -- THE POLISH SEWING ROOMS INITIATIVE, STARTED BY THE PRESIDENT AND ENTREPRENEURS - Karol Jałtuszewski: 100 million masks will be produced by the end of June. -- THE GOVERNMENT IS STARTING AN ECONOMIC REOPENING PROGRAM. THE FIRST RESTRICTIONS WILL BE LIFTED AS EARLY AS NEXT WEEK. PARKS AND FORESTS WILL BE OPENED AND RULES IN TRADE WILL BE RELAXED - preview. -- INVESTMENTS WILL SAVE THE POLISH ECONOMY - banner. -- THE PRESIDENT HAS APPOINTED WOJCIECH MURDZEK AS MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND HIGHER EDUCATION - no footage: There are also two new deputy ministers of finance. -- NOT EVEN ALL POLITICIANS KNOW HOW TO WEAR MASKS CORRECTLY - Jakub Krzyżak explains how to properly cover the mouth and nose area using a photo of Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska as an example. -- 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK, 150 ORDERS DAILY FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY - THE MATERIAL RESERVE AGENCY IS THE NATIONAL HUB THROUGH WHICH MOST MEDICAL EQUIPMENT PASSES FROM ABROAD - preview. -- THE EPIDEMIC CANNOT DESTROY DEMOCRACY - banner. -- THE OPPOSITION'S DEMANDS TO DELAY THE ELECTIONS UNTIL THE END OF THE EPIDEMIC ARE BECOMING DOUBTFUL - preview. -- THE PANDEMIC IS NOT SUBSIDING AND IT IS ALMOST CERTAIN THAT THE THREAT WILL NOT PASS QUICKLY - Konrad Warzocha. -- IN THIS SITUATION, THE NORMAL FUNCTIONING OF THE STATE SEEMS KEY - Warzocha. -- OPPOSITION CANDIDATES WHOSE POLLS GIVE THEM NO CHANCE OF DEFEATING THE PRESIDENT ARE CALLING FOR THE VOTE TO BE POSTPONED - Warzocha. -- THIS DEMAND IS SUPPORTED BY PROF. RADOSŁAW MARKOWSKI, WHO SYMPATHIZES WITH THE OPPOSITION AND SUGGESTS THAT POLES ARE NOT MATURE ENOUGH FOR DEMOCRACY - Warzocha. -- MANY POLES WANT THE ELECTIONS TO BE HELD ON TIME - Warzocha. -- THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN IS UNDERWAY, ALBEIT IN A LIMITED FORM. ON MAY 6, TVP WILL ORGANIZE A ONE-HOUR DEBATE FOR PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES - Warzocha. -- ANDRZEJ DUDA'S CAMPAIGN HAS CONFIRMED PARTICIPATION - Warzocha. -- APART FROM PAD (PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF POLAND), ONLY KRZYSZTOF BOSAK HAS CONFIRMED PARTICIPATION - Warzocha: The remaining candidates have not yet decided. -- POLL: SUPPORT FOR ANDRZEJ DUDA IS GROWING - POLL FOR WPOLITYCE.PL. -- DURING THE PANDEMIC, MANY POLES HAVE TO SAVE MONEY. PUBLIC OPINION HAS BEEN STRONGLY OUTRAGED BY REPORTS OF GENEROUS BONUSES AWARDED TO SENATE CHANCELLERY OFFICIALS - preview: 1.5 million zlotys went to Grodzki's associates, but the Marshal refuses to disclose who received the bonus and for what. -- AN ANONYMOUS CITIZEN WANTED TO KNOW WHAT REWARDS AND BONUSES WERE RECEIVED BY, AMONG OTHERS, FORMER PSL SPOKESPERSON JAKUB STEFANIAK, FORMER PO DEPUTY GRZEGORZ FURGO, AND OTHER ASSOCIATES OF GRODZKI - Konrad Wąż. -- TVN - A FAKE NEWS FACTORY? - banner. -- MANIPULATIONS, HALF-TRUTHS, AND ORDINARY FAKE NEWS BROADCAST ON TVN ARE, ACCORDING TO COMMENTATORS, PROOF THAT THIS PRIVATE TELEVISION STATION IN POLAND IS EFFECTIVELY PART OF THE OPPOSITION - preview: It turns out that what they criticize the ruling party politicians for does not bother them when it concerns opposition politicians. -- FOR TVN EMPLOYEES, A CITIZEN'S PROJECT SIGNED BY ALMOST A MILLION POLES IS A GOVERNMENT PROJECT - Krzysztof Nowina-Konopka. -- ALSO, THE GUESTS INVITED DIRECTLY SUGGEST THAT THE PROJECT, SO HARSHLY CRITICIZED BY THE LEFT, IS A GOVERNMENT PROPOSAL - Nowina-Konopka. -- TVN HAS BEEN REPEATING ACCUSATIONS REGULARLY SINCE THE PIS GOVERNMENT TOOK OFFICE - Nowina-Konopka. -- TVN EMPLOYEES DECEIVED VIEWERS DURING THE SEJM'S OPPOSITION COUP IN DECEMBER 2016 - Nowina-Konopka illustrates this with a report by Katarzyna Kolenda-Zaleska. -- THEY ALSO TRIED TO PORTRAY POLES AS NEONAZIS - Nowina-Konopka. -- THE FREQUENCY OF ATTACKS HAS INCREASED LATELY. THE STATION'S EMPLOYEES HAVE SHOWN NO RESPECT FOR THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SMOLENSK CATASTROPHE, NOR FOR THE PAIN OF THE VICTIMS' FAMILIES, NOR FOR EASTER - Nowina-Konopka. -- WHEN THE STATION ATTACKED THE PIS CHAIRMAN FOR PAYING HOMAGE TO ALL VICTIMS OF THE SMOLENSK CATASTROPHE, REGARDLESS OF THEIR POLITICAL VIEWS, FOR SEVERAL DAYS - Nowina-Konopka. -- TVN OMITTED THE FACT THAT PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE SZYMON HOŁOWNIA, A FORMER STAR OF THIS STATION, WAS ALSO PRESENT AT POWĄZKI CEMETERY - Nowina-Konopka. -- THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE DOUBLE STANDARDS APPLIED AT TVN - Nowina-Konopka. -- Nowina-Konopka includes archival footage of Monika Olejnik and Jerzy Urban in his report. -- THE SYSTEM HAS CHANGED, THE HABITS HAVE REMAINED - comments Nowina-Konopka on a photo.