Mar172020

Epidemic emergency in Poland - important informations for employers

On March 13th 2020, an epidemic emergency was introduced in Poland. Until further notice, road border traffic was suspended at border crossing points and restrictions were imposed on persons who may enter the territory of the Republic of Poland. Air connections are suspended for 14 days. In addition, restrictions were introduced in retail trade in commercial facilities with a sales area of ​​over 2,000 m2. The operations of many other entrepreneurs, including gastronomy, trade fair or entertainment industry are also restricted. Below is a brief summary of these regulations.

1. Who can enter into Poland

Restrictions on crossing the borders of the Republic of Poland do not apply to:

  • Polish citizens;
  • Foreigners who are spouses of Polish citizens or their children;
  • Foreigners who have a Pole’s Card;
  • Foreigners who have the right of permanent or temporary residence in Poland;
  • Foreigners who have the right to work in Poland (working in Poland with the same rights as Polish citizens (e.g. citizens of other EU countries), holding a work permit or working on the basis of a declaration of entrustment of work);
  • Drivers in freight transport.

As follows from the above, foreign employees who work in Poland, also on the basis of work permits and declarations of entrustment of work, may enter Poland, however, they will have to go under quarantine (see point 2 below).

2. Mandatory quarantine

Persons entering Poland are required to undergo a quarantine, which is to last 14 days from the day following the day of crossing the border. The obligation to undergo quarantine in this case is by law and does not require a relevant decision by the sanitary inspection authority. The quarantine obligation does not apply to drivers (both in passenger and freight transport, sea and aircraft crews).

3. Closing of workplaces

Restrictions on the operation of commercial establishments, restaurants or cultural institutions also have a significant impact on the situation of the entrepreneur as an employer and its employees. If the employee cannot be entrusted with other appropriate work for the time of the closure of the workplace, the employees are entitled to receive the so-called downtime remuneration.

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If interested in the above information and their impact on your business, please contact Wiktoria Cieślikowska, wiktoria.cieslikowska@mddp.pl

In MDDP, we have also established a CORONAVIRUS CRISIS TEAM our experts assist in all areas of activity that may be affected by the coronavirus epidemic. We monitor the legislative work related to the coronavirus on an ongoing basis and follow the recommendations of the relevant authorities that may affect the business situation. Questions and doubts should be addressed to: covid19@mddp.pl or directly to persons responsible for specific issues: