Scenes from Krakow, Poland:
Poland's measures came in overnight Saturday/Sunday, all foreign travellers entering into Poland are banned unless they have residency, work, spouse etc. Bars/restaurants are closed. Schools/nurseries are closed. Small businesses are mainly encouraging people to work from home if possible. Shopping malls are closed. Gyms, theatres, cinemas, etc all closed and any public gathering of more than 50 people has been barred.
The shops remain open but many shops have started a queuing system so that there are not too many people in the shops at one time, and people keep their distance. The city has lifted the parking zones to encourage people who must travel into the city to avoid public transport, and to walk or drive solo instead.
There are not many reports of panic buying. Most people are being very responsible and only taking what they need.
So far in Krakow we had one confirmed case in hospital, but it has just been announced that there are 2 other cases in Krk, and the total number of cases so far i hovering around 150 with 3 dead.
Lockdown started pretty much as soon as the first death was announced but the interesting thing is that even on Friday, before anything were announced people had already decided to practise social distancing and stay at home. The streets on Friday and the bars and restaurants were pretty much empty. People here are taking it very seriously but not panicking. Most businesses had told people to work from home before any measures were announced and my school closed on Thursday.
There are no bans on people leaving the house, so people are going for walks to parks, but everyone is keeping a distance from family groups and each other and giving people space.
There are community initiatives to get supplies that are needed into hospitals before the shit hits the fan, this Facebook page for examples are asking people to donate cotton, wire or even make things for potential patients. People are really pulling together.
Maseczki dla krakowskich medyków
The government are expecting figures of cases to reach 4 figures within 10 days and that's with lockdown in place. I've heard there are 2 new cases in Krakow today. The measures are in place for 2 weeks, but I do expect they will be in place for longer.
Everyone here is absolutely shocked by what is going on the UK. People just can't believe that the government are putting so many people at risk, and that people are still going to pubs and bars.
I'm so proud to call this place home - even if I basically have no income at the moment. Skype lessons are go, but unsurprisingly not that many people are interested.
I have to say I'm super impressed with the way the community has stuck together, helped each other, been responsible. And been so pro active.