Coronavirus scenes: Gdansk in times of pandemic

Following the outbreak of COVID-19, aka coronavirus, in Poland and in quite a lot of countries in the World, several measures have been imposed to contain and stop the spread of the virus.

In these series of images I will try to show my experience amid this situation in the city of Gdansk, through my lens, pointing out several scenes which have been turned upside down from what we are used to see. Places such as supermarket, corner stores, parks, avenues, roads, etc. do not look the same since this period started. My goal is to expose them as they are seen right now, scenes out of our comfort zone when looking at them, Places where the mundane has popped up in an uncanny way that we did not foresee.

What this English artist and sculptor said may apply:

“Something that I often do is try and give those places and spaces that have never really had a place in the world some sort of authority, and some sort of voice.”
Rachel Whiteread

TIMELINE OF COVID-19 in POLAND & GDANSK

Tuesday, 10th March

The Polish Prime Minister announced the cancellation of all outdoor events of over 1000 people, and all indoor events of 500+ people.
Wednesday, 11th March

Closure of all cultural venues and institutions, including museums, cinemas, and shutting down schools too.
Friday, 13th March

‘State of Epidemic Threat‘ declared in Poland and since Midnight on March 14/15, Polish borders are closed to people entering Poland, with some exceptions.
Saturday, 14th March

First two cases of coronavirus are confirmed in Gdansk.
Tuesday, 24th March

The Polish Government have introduced new restrictions to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, with fines up to 5.000 złotys.
Tuesday, 31 March

The government announced new restrictions that took effect 1 April and will remain until further notice. The fines for not following these restrictions range from 5000 to 30000 zł.
Thrusday, 9th April

An extension to restrictions is announced, including a ban on under-18s leaving the house unaccompanied and a requirement for pedestrians, even if they are from the same household, to remain at least 2 metres apart in public.
Thrusday, 16th April

Face covering in public made compulsory.
Monday, 20th April

New measures to “unfreeze” the economy: raise the number of people allowed in shops and churches, forests and parks (excluding playgrounds) will also reopen and people will be allowed to participate in outdoor recreational activities again.
Monday, 4th May

Opening of shopping malls with restrictions, hotels, some reinstating inpatient medical rehabilitation treatments and limitations in opening of museums, art galleries, and libraries
Wednesday, 6th May

Opening of nurseries and kindergartens on a case-by-case basis
Monday, 18th May

Restaurants, cafes and bars can open; beauty and hair studios can operate; increase the passengers limits in public transport; border control extended until 12th June
Monday, 25th May

Schools will partially reopen and consultations with teachers for students who are passing the final primary and high school exams. Classes for students of last years at the universities will restart
Monday, 1st June

Consultations with teachers of all subjects/grades

Overall, Poland is (because it’s not over yet) in pandemic lockdown.

Even though the ease of measures, citizens are recommended to stay-at-home and go out out only when necessary: to work, buy groceries or see a doctor. Also, all other restrictions, including social distancing and wearing masks in public, remain in place, as well as the risk of large fines for ignoring restrictions on movement and gatherings.

Most important and essential action: cover mouth and nose in all publish spaces.

So far 502 cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) were reported in the voivodeship of Pomerania, and 28 death. Current cases in Poland can be checked on the official website of the Polish Government or you can follow global cases by the John Hopkins University. The pick of epidemic was expected to be on April 27th, according to modelling by the University of Washington.

Some other websites that might help are, InYourPocket, TriCityNews, PolandToday, WroclawUncut, Wyborcza.pl, NotesfromPoland and Gdansk.pl.

These are some of the images generated as a result of the lockdown: