PM Mateusz Morawiecki emphasized that solidarity was of key importance. So far the country’s strategy has proved successful and it should be continued, the Polish premier told the lower house of the Polish parliament (Sejm), adding that the government’s goal was to ensure that people could carry on with their work, studies and life and to avoid having to shut down the economy.
Poland has procured several million units of protective gear, including masks, gloves, ventilators and other medical equipment, the premier said, adding that the country has enhanced testing capacities and will increase the number of hospital beds as the next step.
Mr Morawiecki pointed out that people need to get used to a few new things, such as distance learning and working remotely. He also stressed the need to protect the elderly and those who are particularly vulnerable.
Talking about the economy, the Polish prime minister said the pandemic came as a shock to everyone and required immediate response, without any clear guidelines. Poland, however, has been and will be able to manage the pandemic situation even going forward, Morawecki said. Jobs have also been preserved, which allows Poles to sleep much more peacefully than other Europeans, he added.
In Poland, remote or hybrid education is expected to be introduced in the upper classes, the prime minister said. While this is not the most ideal solution, it is necessary in the current situation.
The strategy to fight the coronavirus focuses on three targets, Morawiecki said. The first is to protect people’s health and the country’s healthcare system, the second is to protect jobs and the economy, and the third is to protect the elderly.
Among other countries, Poland has reached a deal with various companies regarding the vaccine, ensuring its receipt as soon as it becomes available. This, of course, is an uncertain date in the future, and the country must be protected in the meantime. Mr Morawiecki warned that the coming months would be extremely difficult and there would be no easy solutions, adding, however, that Poland could possibly even emerge as a winner.