(Photo: AP)

Warsaw (People’s Daily) – Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced on Friday that Poland would ban foreigners from entering the country beginning Sunday, and a mandatory 14-day quarantine for returning nationals to stop the spread of coronavirus (Covid-19).

“We decided to introduce an epidemic emergency. We take specific actions with a view to the security of Poles,” Morawiecki said at a news conference and stressed, "the state will not abandon its citizens. However, in the current situation, we cannot allow ourselves to keep borders open to foreigners."

Morawiecki also said some stores at shopping malls would be forced to close, but restaurants, bars, and casinos would be shuttered. Public gatherings with over 50 people will also be prohibited.

On Friday, Poland had 68 confirmed Covid-19 cases and one fatality.