Message to U.S. Citizens – Update on COVID-19 and Related Restrictions – May 22, 2020

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U.S. Embassy Warsaw will send a daily update to ensure all U.S citizens in the Warsaw Consular District have the latest information about COVID-19 (coronavirus) and local conditions.  If different or additional information would be useful, please email us at ACSWarsaw@state.gov.

May 22, 2020

Location: Poland

Event:  Message to U.S. Citizens – Update on COVID-19 and Related Restrictions

New Updates: 

  • On May 22, the Polish Ministry of Health confirmed 20,379 cases of COVID-19 in Poland, an increase of 396 from May 21. The Ministry also reported 8 new related deaths, for a total of 973. 
  • LOT Polish Airlines has advised the Embassy that it has added three more charter flights to the United States.  It will run one flight from Warsaw to New York (JFK) on Saturday, May 23, at 2:15 PM, one flight from Warsaw to New York (JFK) on Wednesday, May 27, at 2:15 PM, and one flight from Warsaw to Chicago (ORD) on Friday, May 29, at 4:40 PM.  If you would like to purchase a ticket, you must fill out this form once for each traveler (including small children).  This is a new form specifically for these flights.  Please fill out the form, even if you have previously filled out a different form and ensure that all information is entered correctly.  The Embassy will confirm your eligibility and forward your information to LOT.  The airline may call at any time, including early morning or late evening.  Please have a bank card or any card that can be used to make online payments ready in order to pay for the tickets when LOT calls.  LOT will send an e-mail if they are not able to reach you by phone.  By providing this information to us, you consent to our providing it to LOT for the purpose of facilitating your return to the United States.  These are not U.S. government operated or funded flights.  Availability and cancellations are controlled by LOT.  At this time, the United States government has no plans to charter an evacuation flight out of Poland. 
    • Saturday, May 23 Travelers (New York): The LOT Polish Airlines flight from Warsaw to New York (JFK) will depart on Saturday, May 23 at 2:15 PM.  For this Saturday flight to New York, Embassy staff passed the last list of interested travelers to LOT at 3:00 PM today, May 22.  If you are interested in this flight and did not purchase a ticket in advance, you may consider traveling to Warsaw Chopin airport on Saturday, May 23, to buy a ticket in person at the ticket office (kasa biletowa) located in Area E (Strefa E) near LOT’s business class check-in area.  Please arrive at the airport early enough to purchase a ticket and complete check-in, security and immigration screening before the flight (which departs at 2:15 PM) closes.  This option is only available for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders).  If you intend to buy tickets at the airport on the day of the flight, you are not guaranteed a ticket. 
    • Wednesday, May 27 (New York) and Friday, May 29 (Chicago) Travelers:  Embassy staff is continuing to process expressions of interest in these flights to New York and Chicago.  If you have indicated interest in these flights, you can expect a call from LOT on either Monday or Tuesday next week. 
  • Updates on movement restrictions announced by the Polish government: 
  • Poland’s border restrictions have been extended through June 12.  Some additional businesses were permitted to reopen starting May 18, with proper sanitation and social distancing systems in place, including hairdressers, cosmetic salons, restaurants, bars, and sports facilities.  Restrictions on the number of passengers on local public transportation were also eased.  From May 25, elementary schools can open for childcare and high schoolers may return for exams.  On June 1, all school children may return for in-person consultations.  Pupils are not required to attend school; parents may decide to continue to keep their children at home. 
  • On May 9, the regulation barring domestic and international passenger air travel in Poland was extended through May 23.  There is an exception for small aircraft carrying 15 or fewer passengers.  It is anticipated that this restriction will be extended over the weekend.   
  • Previously announced restrictions are still in place, including social distancing and wearing of face coverings in public places.  More information about restrictions can be found in English on the U.S. Embassy’s COVID-19 page and on the Polish Government’s COVID-19 Page. 
  • Several drive-through COVID-19/coronavirus testing centers have opened around Poland.  For locations in many cities throughout Poland you can buy tests online at this website, and bring the code you receive to the test center you have selected.  For testing in Sosnowiec, you can complete online forms at this website, then proceed to the testing location at the designated time.  Neither the Polish nor the U.S. governments have implemented a requirement to be tested.  The CDC website offers some factors to take into consideration when deciding whether or not to be tested.  
  • At this time, we are only able to provide notarial services to U.S. citizens in urgent cases. If you would like to request an appointment for an urgent notarial service, please send an e-mail to ACSWarsaw@state.gov with your full name, U.S. passport number, and a brief explanation of the reason for your request. 
  • If you need a passport: U.S. Embassy Warsaw is still accepting applications for passports and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBAs), however, the facilities that print those documents have suspended their operations.  All passport and CRBA applications submitted after April 2, 2020, will be printed when the facilities reopen.  If you have an urgent need for a passport, please contact the Embassy at ACSWarsaw@state.gov. 

Actions to Take:   

  • Follow all restrictions that the Polish government has announced.  These restrictions have been modified several times.  A full list of current restrictions, as well as frequently updated guidance, can be found in English on the U.S. Embassy’s COVID-19 page and on the Polish Government’s COVID-19 Page. You may be subject to a fine of up to 30,000 Polish złoty for not adhering to these restrictions. 
  • Visit the CDC’s website about COVID-19 for up-to-date information from the U.S. government about the virus. 
  • Visit the Polish Government’s COVID-19 Website for general health information, movement restrictions, and health tips. 
  • The Polish government has set up a national informational hotline for COVID-19 health-related inquiries.  To reach this hotline, dial +48 800 190 590 and press 6 for an English-speaking operator.  For emergency services, dial 112. 
  • Polish social service agencies provide assistance in obtaining food and medicine to those who are under home quarantine due to COVID-19.  These services are available to both Polish citizens and foreigners.  In Krakow, call +48 887 202 946 or +48 887 202 947 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. or email kontakt@mops.krakow.pl after hours. In Warsaw, call +48 22 487-13-00. 

Assistance: 

U.S. Embassy, Warsaw, Poland
Piękna 12
00-539, Warsaw
+48 22 504 2784 (business hours)
+48 22 504 2000 (after hours emergencies involving U.S. citizens)
ACSWarsaw@state.gov
https://pl.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/ 

State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Poland Country Information
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By | 22 May, 2020 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens

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