An extraordinary session of the Sejm – which was originally scheduled for yesterday – will commence at 9:00 AM with the consideration of several so-called COVID-related bills. This includes the latest proposal from PiS, which was submitted to the Marshal's Office yesterday.

At 11:35 AM, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki will present information regarding the state of the country's preparedness for the rising wave of SARS-CoV-2 infections and the COVID-19 disease it causes, as well as for the influenza virus during the coronavirus pandemic. The debate on this matter, according to the schedule, is expected to last until 1:30 PM.

Following this, a recess will be announced. The Sejm's Health Committee session concerning the aforementioned bills will begin at 1:30 PM.

The Sejm will resume its proceedings at 5:00 PM with the second reading of the aforementioned COVID-related bills. Another recess will be declared at 6:00 PM, and at 6:30 PM, a voting block will take place, during which the mentioned PiS proposal is expected to be adopted. A vote on the election of the Ombudsman is also scheduled.

„In primary schools, the situation as of yesterday is still very good. We have 98% of all kindergartens operating in-person, and we have 95% of all primary schools operating in-person, meaning in about 5% of cases we have a hybrid or remote mode. This is changing, but compared to last week, these changes are very minor” - said Minister Przemysław Czarnek in an interview with Jedynka radio. 

- I believe we are prepared enough to quickly deploy a hospital, a field hospital, in Warsaw. Work is underway on another in Krakow and in Poznan. I think this act, which I hope the Sejm will address today, is also a good signal that we will truly be able to secure all patients in need – stated Jadwiga Emilewicz in "Piasecki's Interview" on TVN24.

- I think that this second wave, which we knew was coming, because we talked about it, not least because we didn't want to postpone the presidential elections to autumn, this second wave is truly large, it's a serious threat, and in reality, the most important thing is that it largely depends on us ourselves how we will be able to experience the holidays or this difficult winter season - stated Jadwiga Emilewicz in "Rozmowa Piaseckiego" on TVN24.

"We need a fresh look at the curricula. They are, above all, too extensive, but the curricula also need a review over some time perspective from various angles. An absolutely urgent review of textbooks is also needed, especially in the areas of Polish language, history, and civic education. A new perspective on all of this will certainly be beneficial" - said Minister Przemysław Czarnek in an interview with Jedynka radio. 

– The opposition gained one day to read the 48 or 50 pages of the bill. I read it very carefully. This is not a very controversial law; there are no provisions we don't already know. Penalties for not wearing a mask, the possibility of redirecting doctors of other specializations to care for COVID-19 patients, the possibility of directing final-year medical students. These are not controversial provisions, and therefore it seems that today we should simply adopt them in the Sejm in agreement – stated Jadwiga Emilewicz in "Rozmowa Piaseckiego" on TVN24.

"This bill is an expression of genuine concern and our parliamentary duty, indeed a categorical imperative, to ensure a sense of security for Poles, and to boundlessy save their lives and health during such a difficult and dramatic period of the pandemic," said Czesław Hoc from Law and Justice from the parliamentary rostrum.

- I would simply like to appeal to everyone, including the opposition, to realize that we are in an absolutely extraordinary situation. We are in a war situation. Crisis staff meetings are convened daily under the leadership of Prime Minister Morawiecki, and there, much like in wartime, reports are given from the front, from the actions being taken. When there is a war, it is also a time when certain ritualistic actions, perhaps normal in peacetime but completely unacceptable in this case, must be abandoned. Poles are changing their lives, giving up various things that previously shaped their lives and were important, and the opposition should also re-evaluate its actions. Truly, such ritualistic attacks on the government, obstructing every single matter the government undertakes, is not good - stated Jacek Sasin in an interview with Beata Michniewicz on "Salon polityczny Trójki".

- This is indeed the kind of action the opposition always takes. If one could say it was the 'wolf law' of the opposition in times other than the time of the plague, then in this time it is truly unacceptable. Really, 40-odd pages of a bill isn't that much, not so much that it can't be read and understood in a few hours. If one has good intentions, if one wants to help, if one wants Poles to feel that all necessary actions are being taken to effectively combat the pandemic, then one could truly read those 40-odd pages of the bill and not create a situation where actions that are essential today are delayed. Every hour truly counts, and delaying by a day, and we'll see now how the Senate behaves, whether we won't be dealing with opposition obstructionism again – stated Jacek Sasin in 'Trójka's Political Salon'.

- First and foremost, I would appeal to listen with understanding and, above all, not to impute ill will into interpretations, which is absolutely unacceptable. In no way did I question the commitment of the vast majority of doctors, their enormous dedication, thanks to which Poles can feel today that they are cared for, those patients who require hospitalization. However, full mobilization is needed - stated Jacek Sasin in "Trójka's Political Salon".

- Indeed, that is a good question [why such a reaction]. This question is primarily for some media outlets that distorted and interpreted this statement in a completely unwarranted way. Full mobilization of all forces and means is needed, including full mobilization of the medical community. This is also why this law exists, to ensure such full mobilization - the Deputy Prime Minister continued.

- We do not want to use this difficult time to restrict the rights and lives of Poles, or even media freedom, because the introduction of a state of emergency, I don't know if those who talk about it have even read the regulations. It's a very serious restriction of public debate, a restriction of civil rights, the possibility of depriving citizens of their freedom. A state of natural disaster, of course, entails fewer restrictions than a state of emergency, but it also involves very serious limitations on citizen rights, and I don't think that makes sense right now – stated Jacek Sasin in „Salon polityczny Trójki”.

„It would probably be too much to say that we have done everything possible, but the preparations were certainly very intensive, including the replenishment of reserves in the ARM, plans regarding hospital transformations, and other changes that were implemented. Many of these preparations have been realized. I don't understand how the opposition tries to repeat to us that we allegedly did nothing, because that is simply an untrue statement” – said government spokesman Minister Piotr Müller in an interview with Jacek Prusinowski on “Sedno Sprawy” on Radio Plus.

- We absolutely must avoid a lockdown. The spring lockdown was a very powerful, negative experience for the economy. At this moment, in September, we already had very serious signals that the economy had rebounded, that the economy was emerging from the crisis. We had over 15%, month-on-month, growth in industrial production. We had, for example, an increase in electricity production. Many good signals showing that the economy is quickly reviving, and today it is important not to stifle this positive trend, because a well-functioning economy also means a well-functioning healthcare system, for example. Without the money provided by the economy, it is difficult to think about effectively fighting COVID - stated Jacek Sasin in "Trójka Political Salon".

- Today, we want to take a middle road. The golden mean. That is, on the one hand, to use all instruments to effectively fight the epidemic, but on the other hand, not to close down the economy, because we know that the effects of such an economic closure are indeed very bad and cost all of us a great deal of money - the Deputy Prime Minister continued.

- Thanks to the additional 24 hours we had to work on the bill, we prepared about 40 amendments. We found obvious errors in it, including one that allowed young female doctors to be summoned for duty in infectious disease wards the day after giving birth. But we also found an unfounded differentiation between doctors, categorizing them as better and worse. It turns out this bill eliminated 70% of medical professionals when it comes to salary bonuses. This bill also did not address medical personnel. People who work in hospitals in infectious disease wards, who operate equipment, they were simply omitted from this bill. I understand why PiS didn't want us to read this bill. Precisely for this reason. So that the public wouldn't find out how many errors are in this bill and how many people have simply been overlooked in it. According to this bill, you also want to punish hospital directors, even though this government has failed. We will have an amendment for this too. You want party appointees in the style of Jacek Sasin to replace hospital directors. We will not agree to that. With an amendment, we are also adding the possibility of conducting rapid tests for medical professions, for people on the front lines of the fight against COVID. This is a necessity that Lewica and PSL have spoken about, and we have been saying from the very beginning that such rapid tests are very much needed - stated Cezary Tomczyk in the Sejm.

"You claim we are taking a middle path, that beds and ventilators are still available, even though hospitals are clearly stating otherwise and physically have nowhere to admit patients. You want to appoint coordinators. That's closing the stable door after the horse has bolted. The time for coordination was six months ago. Now there is no time for evading responsibility and shifting decision-making onto hospitals and paramedics. You have left them to their own devices" - said Magdalena Biejat from The Left during a Sejm debate. 

- Prime Minister Morawiecki appealed to the Senate yesterday for this bill to be processed quickly. If we handle this bill properly in the Sejm, if amendments from KO, PSL, and the Left are accepted, then there will be no need to work on this bill in the Senate. So I appeal to the Sejm majority. Let's work on this bill, accept good amendments just this once, because they are simply needed, and let's close this matter as quickly as possible so that this bill is simply good, not just any old thing - stated Cezary Tomczyk in the Sejm.

I have to say that thanks to you, we delayed work by one day, and for 10 minutes you had nothing substantive to say. Just political blather - said Ryszard Terlecki, addressing Cezary Tomczyk.

https://twitter.com/MZ_GOV_PL/status/1318831942041849857

https://twitter.com/MZ_GOV_PL/status/1318831944247934976

- I appeal – let us learn from the mistakes of the past. Procedural tricks, legal loopholes, parliamentary obstruction – must we really resort to such methods? Today, we cannot afford quarrels. At stake is the health and lives of millions of Poles, as well as the prosperity and strength of the Polish economy, which we have collectively built over recent years. Let us not squander the fruits of our hard work through unnecessary brawls – wrote Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on Facebook. - At 12:00 PM, I will address the Sejm with a report on the state of our preparations to combat the coronavirus epidemic and an appeal for cross-party consensus and the swift passage of laws essential for this fight. This is not the time for quarrels – this is the time for agreement – PMM emphasized.

Our appeal remains in effect at all times. Unfortunately, we have a growing wave of the epidemic, so let's maintain all safety standards. Masks and distance are what can protect us from infection - stated Wojciech Andrusiewicz at a press briefing.

- A high number of infections in large Polish cities. Over 500 infections in Krakow, close to 500 in Warsaw, over 200 in Łódź, close to 200 in Toruń. This paints a picture of how the epidemic is currently progressing, where we are getting infected. Unfortunately, we are getting infected in large cities. That is why the scenes we sometimes see on your television channels of overcrowded venues demonstrate a complete lack of responsibility. On the one hand, unfortunately, there is a lack of responsibility from people who celebrate, consuming not only food but also alcohol; on the other hand, there is sometimes also irresponsibility from restaurateurs and businesses in this regard – stated Wojciech Andrusiewicz at a press briefing. 

- I wanted to recall the words of a medical authority, and at the same time, a person who should unite us all. Professor Marian Zembala said that in the current situation, everyone should cooperate across divides. There is no other option. This is an appeal for solidarity, a language that I believe everyone here, regardless of their differences, understands. It was precisely this solidarity in our approach to the epidemic that greatly helped us in the spring. Because exactly 230 days ago, we began to grapple with the pandemic - stated Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in the Sejm.

- If we are not responsible, if we do not limit our contacts to a minimum, because this needs to be said. We must limit our contacts to the necessary minimum. If there is no need to meet with anyone, let's not meet. If we don't need to go shopping, beyond grocery shopping, let's not go out - stated Wojciech Andrusiewicz at a press briefing.

- If we don't limit our contacts, and as we saw in the spring, limiting interpersonal contacts serves to limit the transmission of the virus, then we could be talking about 15-20 thousand infections in a short time - stated Wojciech Andrusiewicz at a press briefing.

We have purchased so many ventilators that we have also tripled the number of beds with ventilators between August and today, 3.5 times over. What's more, we have over 2,500 ventilators in stock at the Material Reserves Agency, ready to be connected to hospital beds – stated Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in the Sejm. We currently have almost 3,000 ventilators available. This is the result of strategic thinking in the summer months, when we saw that we could face a greater demand for ventilators – PMM continued.

"We need to show the current state of occupied beds. As of today, it's about 60%. This is a significant percentage, but we are continuously expanding our bed capacity," stated Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in the Sejm.

„We are dealing today with a very dangerous phenomenon, a second wave, and it must be said that we may perhaps face a third wave, because we are dependent on whether a cure or vaccine for Covid-19 is invented. We may face some fluctuations in the longer term, but our strategy is primarily a strategy and principle – to build social and economic life in such a way that we can learn to work, to live, and at the same time not to close down the economy, to break the transmission chain of Covid-19” - stated Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in the Sejm.

- Right now, we have 45% of ventilators available. That is, we have a certain number of already connected units that are not in use and are free. We do not have a situation like in some Western European countries, where this number is much more utilized - stated Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in the Sejm.

- We must learn to live with the pandemic in the long term, because it may weaken and it may intensify again. Therefore, we must adopt methods with full force that will lead to us learning to work remotely for the most part, we will work, simply live, but we will protect our seniors, our most vulnerable, we will be able to treat everyone who will need treatment - stated Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in the Sejm.

“During the summer months, we increased our testing capacity. We went from an initial point of 4,000 tests per day. How many testing capabilities do we have today? It is 80,000. Every day throughout the summer, we increased our capacity and efficiency for coronavirus tests. Between 2010 and 2015, it was precisely PO that eliminated 30 laboratories in the sanitary inspectorate. In 2016, we stopped this process, and today we have the capacity to test at the level of 80,000,” Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki stated in the Sejm.

“Regarding our testing capabilities. Today was one of the higher testing figures. But there have already been days where we tested over 60,000 Poles. Therefore, our capabilities, the performance capacity of the entire testing system, are higher than today and are constantly being improved. So that in a situation where more testing is needed, it will be possible to test more,” he added.

We got through this relatively smoothly, because according to OECD and EC indicators, in these two years Poland has a chance to navigate these very turbulent waters most smoothly. Also, this second wave, which the Civic Coalition chairman said would already be waning by autumn, because you have such expert opinions. By the way, show us those expert opinions, Mr. Chairman - stated Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in the Sejm.

- With a high degree of probability, this afternoon at another of the daily crisis staff meetings, we will decide that higher grades of primary schools will also be subject to remote learning or hybrid learning - stated Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in the Sejm.

We benefit from the advice of experts, but we also benefit from the advice of the opposition. That is why, at this point, I wanted to thank both the Polish Coalition and the Left for the constructive reflections they shared during our meeting, because it was a constructive part of the discussion, concerning local governments, the Sanepid (State Sanitary Inspection), and All Saints' Day. We want to talk with the opposition. I also thank you because many of you will likely support clarifying this legally and eliminating the legal uncertainty regarding the wearing of masks - stated Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in the Sejm.

- We have three main goals for this strategy. Firstly, the protection of health and the healthcare system, the protection of healthcare services, which are the foundation of social service for reducing the threat of COVID-19. Secondly, the protection of the economy and jobs, and thirdly, the protection of seniors, the most vulnerable - stated Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in the Sejm.

- We are following this middle path. On one hand, we have those who want to bring about a total lockdown, calling for the greatest possible spending solely to lead to financial collapse. On the other hand, we have those who want to ignore COVID-19. But I warn, ignoring the epidemic in the name of defending the economy can lead to the shutdown, the lockdown, of the economy, or parts of the economy, being longer, deeper, and with greater economic consequences. That is why this middle path is so necessary. That is why let's reject this strange alliance of extreme deniers and those who propose an immediate economic shutdown, like some of our opponents, including here in the Sejm. Let's reject them and follow the middle path, it is the safest – stated Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in the Sejm.

I cannot promise today that COVID will disappear in a few months, because no one knows that today. We must prepare for a longer fight. There might be another wave, there might be a vaccine. We don't know that today. But I can promise that we will do everything, if we have made any mistakes, we will admit to them. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. But we will do everything to defend our seniors, protect the economy and protect healthcare, protect the health and lives of all our citizens. The coming weeks, the coming months, and perhaps unfortunately even quarters, hopefully not years, will be the most difficult months and quarters for the Republic of Poland in decades, at least probably for 30 years, maybe longer. And there are no easy solutions. However, there are solutions that lead to a flexible response to what is happening. That is what we are doing today. And the epidemic will eventually, like the vast majority or all epidemics, be effectively combatted by humans. But at the same time, we must protect jobs, the ability to provide work, and our economy. Therefore, until this vaccine is invented, until an appropriate medicine is found, I propose that we all use this one most important vaccine we have today. That vaccine is solidarity. Together, we will emerge victorious from this fight - stated Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in the Sejm.

“At the moment, we are primarily expanding our bed capacity. We are expanding it in various ways, because you [the public] talk about temporary hospitals, as that attracts the most attention, but the biggest increase in bed capacity comes from transforming district hospitals and utilizing large internal medicine wards in former so-called provincial hospitals for COVID needs. The private sector has also joined the fight against Covid. I have spoken with representatives of private hospitals and healthcare facilities, and we have a commitment, with specific locations indicated, for nearly 1000 additional beds” - said Minister Adam Niedzielski in the Sejm. 

- Finally, you dared to stand before us, after many months of appeals, pleas to treat the pandemic problem seriously and beyond political divisions. You avoided this debate, you were preoccupied with yourselves. You fought for seats, influence, and divided money. Even in the final days of your term, you managed to pay employees record bonuses. And you left Poles to fend for themselves - stated Borys Budka in the Sejm.

- Today another record of infections was set. Over 10,000 cases, 130 people died. People can't get through to the sanitary inspection. Schools don't know what to do. Appointments with specialists are being canceled. And you? You are pleased with yourself. You stand here, as if nothing has happened, and tell all these lies that you have been feeding us for 6 months. 10 days ago you said: we have 900 ventilators. Today you say 3,000. When were you lying, then or now? Unless you made new purchases from another arms dealer, because you're good at that - stated Borys Budka in the Sejm.

- Today you are asking us for help and admitting that the crisis has overwhelmed you. Yes, I say this with regret. You couldn't handle it. But do you know why? Because in times of crisis, responsible politicians are needed. Politicians who can manage the economy and healthcare. Yes, we know how to do it. PO and PSL led Poland through the biggest economic crisis in history. It was then, not now, that Poland was held up as an example. Do you know why? Because we chose rationalism over populism. The knowledge of experts, not your 'it will somehow work out' strategy. Proper politicians use the knowledge of experts, they don't fight with them – stated Borys Budka in the Sejm.

I will begin by presenting a very short video. This is Mr. Budka, Borys Budka, the leader - Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said, replaying from the Sejm podium a recording in which Borys Budka spoke about the end of the pandemic in autumn of this year and based on that, outlined a calendar of elections during the spring discussion about the presidential elections.  I would like to see those expert opinions, which suggested that there would be no more coronavirus in the autumn. The elections were supposed to be held in the autumn. Several lies need to be corrected, because they should not be remembered. The Council of Ministers has met in the form of RZZK dozens of times, we meet daily. Minutes of these meetings are taken. This is a form of manipulation and a lie - he added.

I will ask you a few questions today, so that it cannot be said that no one, Mr. Prime Minister, asked about this. Does the government know how the energy sector in Poland will function if the crews of energy companies are decimated by coronavirus? Do we know who will ensure that electricity flows to Polish homes? Does the government know who will supply gas to Polish homes when the employees in gasworks and waterworks are decimated? Does the government know who will ensure food supplies? Are you ready for the worst? Have you done everything you are legally obligated to do to ensure that our country has a supply of food and water? Security on roads and streets, protection against attacks on our homes and apartments. Supply of electricity, gas, and other energy resources. Supply of fuels such as gasoline, diesel, district heating, and individual coal supply, to ensure continuity of communication services and efficient teleinformatic networks, to have access to our money and uninterrupted financial services, to ensure transportation services operate, including efficient roads and public transport. For communal services to function, including waste collection, maintaining cleanliness in cities. To provide protection against speculation and, in necessary situations, to create a rationing system for products and services essential for life, for rescue services to function, for the continuity of all state services, including the police and public administration - stated Włodzimierz Czarzasty in the Sejm.

- Do you have an up-to-date report on national security threats? You do not. Do you have a national critical infrastructure protection program that takes the pandemic into account? You do not. Have you ensured that provincial, district, and municipal crisis management plans have been created? You have not, and you allowed this, Mr. Macierewicz - the SLD leader continued to ask.

- You have done nothing to prepare us for the worst. The current report on national security threats is based on a risk assessment from 2013. A new report was supposed to be adopted in the third quarter of 2020. Has it been adopted? - he said.

"You have lost control of the state. You have lost control of the epidemic. This is an indictment, not issued by us, not by politicians, not by the opposition. This is an indictment issued by thousands of new infections daily and hundreds of deaths. This is an indictment that will haunt you every day. How can we trust the Prime Minister's words today? I remember the calls for cooperation in March. We all responded positively to that appeal. How did it end with the first anti-crisis shield? At 2:00 AM, a last-minute amendment abolishing the RDS and allowing for postal voting for the over 60s" - said the President of the Polish People's Party, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, in the Sejm.

- In these laws that you are introducing today, supposedly to save the situation in healthcare, which is caused by your five years of neglect, you are once again attacking Polish entrepreneurs. You are introducing the possibility of punishing entrepreneurs under the pretext of breaking sanitary regulations. One minor penalty, one fine for not wearing a mask, is enough, and the possibility of spending money from the financial shield is called into question. It's a scandal what you are trying to push through in these regulations - stated Krzysztof Bosak in the Sejm.

"To move forward, the key word was missing today, Mr. Prime Minister, not for us. We are politicians, we can argue, discuss, but for the sick, doctors, nurses, paramedics, social workers, shop assistants, for the entire society. The word 'sorry' [was missing]. Not for mistakes, because they can happen in such a difficult time, but the word 'sorry' for the fact that the LGBT discussion during the holidays was more important, that the division of spoils and the thirst for power trumped common sense" - said the leader of the Polish People's Party, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, in the Sejm.

“The Civic Platform party of Chairman Budka is a party of social Darwinism, a party that did not care about the weaker, for whom social programs, caring for weaker people, treated in hospitals with dignity, had no significance” – said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in the Sejm. 

"The Civic Platform party of Chairman Budka is a party of social Darwinism, a party that did not care for the weaker, for whom social programs, caring for weaker people, those treated in hospitals with dignity, had no significance" - said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in the Sejm. 

Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK), the initiator, co-founder, and main investor in the Three Seas Fund, has increased its commitment to the Fund by €250 million – announced Beata Daszyńska-Muzyczka, CEO of BGK, at the Three Seas Initiative Summit in Tallinn. In total, shareholders have committed over €800 million to the Fund.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the economic situation of all countries and necessitated the adoption of non-standard measures. Emerging from the crisis will take many years, and long-term infrastructure investments are a good way to stimulate economies. The Three Seas Fund invests on commercial principles. Increasing the Fund's resources will allow for the implementation of more projects that bring long-term benefits to the entire region. Hence our decision to increase our commitment by €250 million," said Beata Daszyńska-Muzyczka, Chairperson of the Supervisory Board of the Three Seas Fund and CEO of BGK, during the Three Seas Initiative Summit in Tallinn. The Three Seas Fund is the economic dimension of the Three Seas Initiative and an investment vehicle for financing key infrastructure projects in the Three Seas region. It complements and strengthens the capital commitments of individual countries and European Union financial instruments. It is a commercial and market-oriented initiative that will provide diverse investment opportunities, with the goal of generating returns and profits for investors. It can also implement commercial projects in the form of public-private partnerships. The Fund's founding act was signed in May 2019 at the initiative of BGK and in cooperation with Romania's EximBank. In September of this year, Estonia and Latvia joined the Fund. In total, shareholders have committed over €800 million to the Fund. Since February of this year, the Fund has had a fully operational structure and operates on commercial principles with an independent investment committee. The Fund's investors have selected a professional, international firm to act as the investment advisor, also responsible for project management and fundraising. This firm is Amber Infrastructure. The Three Seas Fund is open to three types of investors: core sponsors represented by development banks of the Three Seas countries, international financial institutions (EIB, EBRD), and private investors from around the world.

“We must learn to live, work, and educate without a total lockdown, although it is unclear what decisions will need to be made. Today, the Czech Republic is deciding on a de facto total lockdown. Yesterday, I read about Ireland, which says a total lockdown is necessary, in some areas deeper than in the spring. This is why we are expanding our bed capacity and the number of hospitals” – said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in the Sejm.

- I wanted to inform you that at the request of the president of the PSL, our coalition partner, I have agreed to expedite the legislative process as much as possible for the bill currently being discussed in the Sejm, concerning the next stage of the fight against the pandemic. I hope this law will be passed this evening, and tomorrow, after appropriate legislative processing, it will be sent to the Senate and will be handled there as quickly as possible, as we usually do. Specifically, we will convene the Health Committee, and we will address it on Monday from 4:00 PM, as early as possible. I would like to remind you that I have already expedited the Senate session by one day at the request of the Ministry of Finance – stated Tomasz Grodzki at a press briefing in the Senate.

Jacek Sasin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State Assets, stated on Twitter that the government is working to limit economic losses in such a way that it does not negatively impact the lives and health of Poles.

The tweet, which can be found at https://twitter.com/sasinjacek/status/1318884908601847810?s=12, indicates a commitment to balancing economic considerations with public health and safety during challenging times.

“The Prime Minister announced further tightening of restrictions, but at the moment, reality looks like we are constantly monitoring the number of red zones. This number is already reaching 300 out of a total of 380 districts. We must increase restrictions, as we are defending not only people's direct health but also the healthcare system's capacity. Let's not hide the fact that we are currently testing this capacity,” said Minister Adam Niedzielski in the Sejm.

- I just want to emphasize once more at the end that I am grateful for the positive votes. It is time for accord, we are ready for positive, constructive dialogue. Today, fighting the epidemic is our absolute biggest priority and we will be battling the epidemic for some time yet. How long – until the discovery of a vaccine, a cure, we don't know precisely, but it is extremely important that the entire political class, because this is a test today, not just for those governing, certainly also for those governing, but also for the entire political class, whether it can cooperate, whether it can or cannot – whether it is capable of accepting this outstretched hand" - stated Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in the Sejm.

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki will be a guest of Bogdan Rymanowski on the "Gość Wydarzeń" (Guest of Events) program on Polsat News this evening, around 7:25 PM.

“I am addressing you [Members of Parliament] from in front of the Sejm building, because although a vote on appointing a new Ombudsman will take place in the parliamentary chamber today, as the sole candidate for this position, I was not allowed to speak before the esteemed chamber at yesterday's Convention of Seniors. They didn't allow me to do it inside, so I will try from outside. Why? Because I am persistent and I deeply believe that the Ombudsman should be persistent. Sometimes even stubborn as a mule” - says lawyer Zuzanna Rudzińska-Bluszcz, a civil society candidate for Ombudsman, in an online recording.

“I am certain that within the next few years, some of you, or your loved ones, will turn to the Ombudsman for help. How do I know this? I've been helping for years. I, and three hundred wonderful employees of the Ombudsman's Office, help people who have hit a wall, who are most often like you or me, ordinary people. Members of Parliament and Senators have the power to help ordinary people by appointing a new Ombudsman as quickly as possible. I stand here on behalf of over a thousand organizations, representing over a million Polish citizens who have given me their support. They stand here with humility and openness and ask for your support” - she added.

“I know there are many issues on which we may disagree, but I'll bet that if we were to roll up our sleeves right now and do something together for Poland, I would find a few things to fix with each of you, without exception, working side-by-side. I want to be the Ombudsman for all citizens” - Rudzińska-Bluszcz stated.

https://www.facebook.com/106306601178852/videos/1293699497631856/?__cft__[0]=AZXZld9ZS2u6sFmbudASMDh94ZxT-tY3VVLz1Y1O3owibNXcLYtuCMpPx0c6TFnk_7k3n9R5vx-2fR-bvmeWrYagLI6bGNjyFF2nwOYVRd1PO6J8Y-GE6QqnBWOO-ojxCQYm4CuFYVYOPj73d8i69tJPbM9qpuHbfqaFflFCSkvwvYLlQmDA7FqMUAzVTEnCrRRFTRejcTeoJfJCEnFOa7sz

“We are building a hospital that is being constructed in three phases. The first phase, which will be completed the soonest, will provide 300 beds, with 50 of them designated for intensive care. The remaining beds will be for oxygen therapy for COVID-19 patients. The second phase will provide 500 beds, which we should also complete relatively quickly. If the pandemic situation in the country worsens, if the dynamic increase in infections continues, the hospital can be expanded to a thousand beds for oxygen therapy, with 100 beds for intensive care,” said the Head of the Prime Minister's Chancellery, Minister Michał Dworczyk, at a press conference.

The biggest challenge is the medical staff. In total, for the first 500 beds, we will need over 500 medical personnel, including doctors, as well as nurses and paramedics, over 170 people, 340 medical and sanitary caregivers, and 85 first-aid trained rescuers. What is positive is the very positive response the project to build a temporary hospital at the National Stadium has received. Currently, over 170 medical personnel have volunteered. Today, we are launching, it is already operational, a special hotline dedicated to doctors and medical personnel who would like to take up employment at the National Stadium” – said the Head of the Prime Minister's Chancellery, Minister Michał Dworczyk, at a press conference.

- Regarding the issues related to restrictions, we are, as Prime Minister Morawiecki announced, taking a middle path, a path between the two extreme solutions proposed by some of our opponents. Because we do not want, and this will be one of the last things we do, to introduce a lockdown in Poland. Therefore, it is too early to say that we will be closing down further businesses regarding restrictions resulting from epidemic limitations. However, at this moment, as I mentioned, the RZZK will discuss today the matters that were intended for the next stage of restrictions. We will announce them tomorrow. As for potential restrictions, we will try to implement them in such a way that, with certain sanitary regulations, individual sectors can still continue their operations – stated Piotr Müller at a press briefing.

We are preparing for individual scenarios. We have a first, second, third, and fourth line of defense. The first is our restrictions, masks, testing, identifying cases of sick individuals. The second is the entire hospital system, quarantine, isolation, but above all, our medical staff. The third line of defense is additional beds. These beds are not yet available, but in a few days, several thousand beds will appear in the system. In recent days, beds for Covid patients have been increasing faster than the number of these patients. Prof. Horban is certainly right in the sense that if this pandemic were to continue to develop, and – God forbid – still develop exponentially, the rate of [bed] increase might prove too slow. Hence the fourth line of defense, which is temporary hospitals, which we are building today so that they will be ready in two, three, or four weeks” – said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in an interview with Bogdan Rymanowski on Polsat News.

"Our strategy is very clear. I presented it today in the Sejm. I have also spoken about it before. The strategy is to protect the entire healthcare system, so that it can treat both COVID-19 patients and what we were rebuilding in the summer, when the pandemic was truly in retreat, when it was a sinusoid, but with a lower limit of infections, and it was decreasing then" – said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in Polsat News.

„We already have such a number of counties marked in red and 88% of the population that also [during the RZZK] I will recommend that we make a decision to make the whole of Poland a red zone from Saturday” - said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in Polsat News.

"We will soon have another RZZK meeting and I will recommend there that we announce tomorrow, so that from next week, teaching in the upper grades of primary schools will be conducted remotely or in a hybrid manner. We will discuss [from which grade]" - Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Polsat News.

„We must prepare for potentially a third wave, a fourth wave. We don't know when the vaccine will be ready. Second, perhaps third quarter of next year. We know that we are among the EU countries that have paid the appropriate amount and have in a way signed up for the queue of countries that will be able to receive the vaccine simultaneously, as soon as it is developed” – said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on Polsat News.

„If it turns out that the epidemic is brought under control within a few weeks, even close to a few – three, four weeks – if there is a flattening or a shift in the wave that causes us to learn to live again in this sanitary regime, then perhaps all industries will be able to function again, but with certain limitations” – said Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on Polsat News.

Tomorrow at 9:00 AM, instead of as previously planned for this evening, the Sejm will resume its debates. On the agenda, MPs have only the second reading of four COVID-related draft bills remaining, a voting block, and – as scheduled – the election of a new Ombudsman.

- Thank you very much to the teachers. Today, on my third day in office, I met with representatives of the teaching community and trade unions. We are on the same page; teachers also know that in-person teaching is irreplaceable, but at the same time, we are aware of the sense of threat and teachers' anxieties, and we must understand this. A statement will be issued tomorrow, the RZZK (likely referring to a meeting or committee) is just beginning, and decisions will be made. Remote learning is already taking place in 8.5% of schools - said the head of the Ministry of National Education, Prof. Przemysław Czarnek, on Gość Wiadomości.

- 1.6% of outbreaks originate from school environments, the majority in older age groups. That's why we started with high schools, but the situation is not improving, it's gradually worsening, so we must react on an ongoing basis. We understand the concerns of teachers who would prefer to teach in person, but we will make decisions to transition to hybrid or remote learning in grades 6, 7, and 8. We want to give principals the tools for a flexible approach and organization of teaching to address teachers' concerns. We understand teachers and families and are grateful to teachers for their attitudes - said Prof. Czarnek in Gość Wiadomości.

"We want to review this content, especially in textbooks for Polish language, history, and civic education, to eliminate those elements that are a legacy of the pedagogy of shame, which accompanied our education in the Third Republic. We are rapidly moving away from this pedagogy in recent years, but certain remnants will be removed," said Minister Czarnek on TVP.

- Within three years of this term, this matter will be resolved, and even sooner. Just as we are focusing on core curricula, their scope needs to be analyzed. We will also be reviewing core curricula from this perspective - said Przemysław Czarnek on Gość Wiadomości.

- There will be no revolution, but dialogue with teachers and parents, who also have their reservations regarding the teaching methods and the scope of knowledge imparted. This is already happening; these teams are being formed. There will be no revolution, but evolution and dialogue. We want the Matura exam to be passable based on the education obtained at school, not on paid tutoring - said Przemysław Czarnek on Gość Wiadomości.

- We will eliminate bureaucracy in teacher's work. Teachers should have more time for working with students, which is their mission, not for bureaucracy, often originating from directives issued by the Ministry of National Education, but also from the requirements of school administrators - said Przemysław Czarnek in Gość Wiadomości.

-- LIVEBLOG 300POLITYKI: PRIME MINISTER ON THE ENTIRETY OF POLAND BEING IN THE RED ZONE AS OF SATURDAY CZARNEK ON REDUCING BUREAUCRACY IN SCHOOLS, STREAMLINING CURRICULA, AND HYBRID AND REMOTE EDUCATION FOR OLDER GRADES GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON ON ALLOWING SECTORS UNDER STRICTER REGULATIONS TO CONTINUE OPERATING RUDZIŃSKA-BLUSZCZ ON ISSUES THAT UNITE https://300polityka.pl/live/2020/10/21/ ***** PULS WYDARZEŃ (POLSAT NEWS) -- IT WAS A HEATED DAY IN THE SEJM, PRIME MINISTER MORAWIECKI PRESENTED THE GOVERNMENT'S STRATEGY IN THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID. -- RARELY DOES A SEJM DEBATE HOLD SUCH SIGNIFICANT POLITICAL AND SOCIAL WEIGHT – Marcin Fijołek. -- NO WONDER THERE WAS NO SHORTAGE OF EMOTION – Fijołek continues. -- PRIME MINISTER MORAWIECKI PRESENTED THE STATE OF THE POLISH STATE TODAY ON THE FRONTLINE OF THE FIGHT AGAINST THE CORONAVIRUS – Fijołek. -- SPEAKING IN PARLIAMENT TODAY, PRIME MINISTER MORAWIECKI FACED NUMEROUS ACCUSATIONS, THE MOST SERIOUS AND FREQUENTLY REPEATED CONCERNING THE GOVERNMENT HAVING SLEPT THROUGH THE PAST MONTHS WHILE PREPARING FOR THE FIGHT AGAINST THE CORONAVIRUS – Fijołek continues. -- EXCERPTS FROM THE SEJM DEBATE. -- THE DISCUSSION ON FIGHTING THE PANDEMIC QUICKLY TURNED INTO A POLITICAL BATTLE – Fijołek. -- FOLLOWING FURTHER ACCUSATIONS FROM THE PO LEADER, PRIME MINISTER MORAWIECKI PLAYED A RECORDING FROM THE SPRING FROM THE SEJM'S SPEAKING PLATFORM, WHERE BORYS BUDKA SPEAKS ABOUT THE END OF THE FIRST WAVE IN THE AUTUMN OF THIS YEAR – Fijołek continues. -- MEANWHILE, ARTUR DZIAMBOR SHOWED ANOTHER VIDEO ON A TABLET, FROM THE SUMMER WHEN THE PRIME MINISTER SAID THE VIRUS WAS IN RETREAT – Fijołek. -- FOR SEVERAL DOZENS OF MINUTES, THERE WAS ALSO A BIDDING WAR OVER THE NUMBERS OF AVAILABLE HOSPITALS, BEDS, AND AMBULANCES – Fijołek continues. -- HOWEVER, TODAY THE STATISTICS MENTIONED BY THE MINISTER OF HEALTH ARE MORE URGENT – Fijołek. -- THE ACT INCREASING SALARIES FOR MEDICAL STAFF WORKING WITH CORONAVIRUS WILL LIKELY BE ADOPTED TODAY – Fijołek continues. -- UNDER PRESSURE FROM THE PRIME MINISTER AND THE PSL CHAIRMAN, MARSZAŁEK GRODZKI AGREED TO THE MOTION TO EXPEDITE THE LAW'S PROCEDURES – Fijołek. -- SOLIDARITY IS IMPORTANT, BUT REALITY WILL VERIFY BOTH IT AND TODAY'S SEJM DISCUSSIONS – Fijołek continues. -- WE ARE WAITING FOR BETTER PANDEMIC DATA; TODAY WE HAVE OVER 10 THOUSAND INFECTIONS, BUT ALSO A RECORD NUMBER OF TESTS. -- MOBILIZATION IN THE FIGHT AGAINST THE EPIDEMIC IS COMPLETE; NOT ONLY SOLDIERS BUT ALSO SCOUTS HAVE COME TO HELP – Dorota Gawryluk. -- THE OBLIGATION TO WEAR MASKS IS TO BE WRITTEN INTO LAW. -- FURTHER FARMER PROTESTS AGAINST THE "FIVE FOR ANIMALS" LAW. ***** FAKTY TVN (TVN NEWS) -- FOR THE FIRST TIME OVER 10,000 INFECTIONS; ASSURANCES THAT EVERYTHING IS UNDER CONTROL ARE PAINFULLY VERIFIED BY NUMBERS AND WAITING AMBULANCES. -- IT IS INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO GET TO A HOSPITAL EVERYWHERE – Marek Nowicki. -- MORE AND MORE SEVERE CASES – Nowicki. -- IT SOUNDS LIKE A NIGHTMARE – Nowicki on the situation of one of the young patients. -- THE MINISTER OF HEALTH PERSISTENTLY CLAIMS IT'S NOT BAD, POINTING TO AVAILABLE BEDS – Nowicki. -- WELL, HERE'S ANOTHER RECORDING, A HOSPITAL NEXT TO THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH – Nowicki. -- PENALTIES ARE FORTUNATELY NOT THE GOVERNMENT'S ONLY RESPONSE; MORE BEDS ARE TO BE ADDED – Nowicki. -- CONSTRUCTION OF A HOSPITAL AT THE NATIONAL STADIUM. -- LOCKDOWN RETURNS IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC; A TSUNAMI IS APPROACHING, WE ARE LOSING CONTROL – WORDS OF THE BELGIAN MINISTER OF HEALTH – in the preview. -- THE CARDINAL HEARD NOTHING AND KNEW NOTHING – in the previews. -- WORDS OF THE PRIME MINISTER FROM JULY REPLAYED BY A CONFEDERATION DEPUTY, AND THE DEBATE AS AN INDICTMENT FROM THE OPPOSITION AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT – Krzysztof Skórzyński. -- AT THE MOMENT OF THE PRIME MINISTER'S SPEECH, THERE WAS NO POLITICS, SINCE EVEN THE WHO CANNOT ESTIMATE THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE PANDEMIC – Skórzyński. -- THEN DATA AND FACTS WERE REPLACED BY POLITICS – Skórzyński. -- PMM REPLAYING BUDKA'S WORDS. -- BATTLE OF THE TABLETS – Skórzyński. -- THE PRIME MINISTER APPEALS FOR COOPERATION WHILE SANITARY-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STATIONS ARE GOING THROUGH HELL AND HOSPITALS ARE REACHING THEIR LIMITS – Skórzyński. -- A REPORTER TRIED FOR AN HOUR TO FIND WHERE THE VACCINE IS – Skórzyński. -- THE OPPOSITION HAD A FULL 24 HOURS TO STUDY THE LAW – Maciej Knapik. -- IN REALITY, IT DOES NOT ADD UP, AS SEEN BY THE QUEUES IN FRONT OF HOSPITALS – Knapik. -- THE HEALTH SERVICE WAS WAITING FOR AMENDMENTS – Knapik. -- WE BELIEVE THAT EVERYONE WHO WANTS TO PRACTICE MEDICINE IN POLAND MUST GO THROUGH THE SAME PROCEDURES – Krzysztof Bukiel. -- TOMORROW THE GOVERNMENT WILL ANNOUNCE A DECISION ON DISTANCE LEARNING FOR OLDER GRADES – in the preview. -- AN ENGLISH TEACHER DIED; THE DEATH SHOOK THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY – Renata Kijowska. -- YOU WASTED OUR PRECIOUS SHARED TIME – a teacher's post to PMM. -- THE SMALLEST THREAT IS IN GRADES UP TO 12 YEARS OLD – Przemysław Czarnek. -- FARMER PROTESTS. -- THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT 200 PLACES ACROSS THE COUNTRY – Jan Błaszkowski. ***** WIADOMOŚCI TVP (TVP INFO) -- INCREASED WORK BY ALL STATE STRUCTURES, BUT WE MUST CONTINUE TO PROTECT OURSELVES AND OTHERS – in the preview. -- PIS ANNOUNCED THAT IT WILL CONSIDER THE OPPOSITION'S AMENDMENTS – in the preview. -- THIS IS A TEST OF THE POLITICAL CLASS'S RESPONSIBILITY – Damian Diaz. -- APPEAL FROM PIS SENATORS TO THE MARSZAŁEK OF THE SENATE – Diaz. -- THE OPPOSITION CLAIMS HE ORDERED IT TO BE BETTER – Diaz. -- PMM RECALLED BUDKA'S STATEMENTS FROM APRIL AND MENTIONED THE LIQUIDATION OF HOSPITALS AND SANITARY-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STATIONS – Diaz. -- THE GOVERNMENT IS TAKING THE MIDDLE ROAD – Diaz. -- NEW RESTRICTIONS GLOBALLY – banner. -- WOT (TERRITORIAL DEFENSE FORCES) TAKES OVER SWAB COLLECTION – in the preview. -- SOLDIERS ARE ALSO ACTIVE IN SOCIAL WELFARE HOMES AND SENIOR HOMES – in the preview. -- THE US PRESIDENT DEFENDS POLAND'S GOOD NAME – in the preview. -- TRUMP CAMPAIGN RESPONDS TO LIES ABOUT POLAND – banner. -- SCANDALOUS WORDS ABOUT POLISH CITIZENSHIP – banner. -- NOT THE FIRST INSTANCE WHEN THE SO-CALLED ELITES MOCK POLES AND PATRIOTIC POSTURES – in the preview. -- MANN'S STATEMENT ON LISA'S PROGRAM. -- THE AVALANCHE STARTED WHEN WE CAME TO POWER 5 YEARS AGO – Marcin Tulicki. -- I FEEL LIKE SOMEONE IS SHITTING ON ME – Krystyna Janda. -- ATTACK ON FAMILIES WHEN THEY SUDDENLY COULD GO ON VACATION – Tulicki. -- AGATA MŁYNARSKA'S STATEMENT. -- CALUMNIES AGAINST POLES ARE MAKING LESS AND LESS IMPRESSION ON ANYONE – Tulicki. -- OPPOSITION TO THE IDEOLOGICAL REVOLUTION – banner on PJK's interview. -- Maciej Sawicki on quotes from the interview with PJK. -- THE NEW HEAD OF MEN ALSO WANTS TO MOVE AWAY FROM TOXIC POLITICAL CORRECTNESS – Sawicki. -- THE CASE OF JUDGE ŁĄCZEWSKI.