In view of the latest developments regarding the COVID-19 outbreak, PCMA UW is addressing the situation of its mission members and associates currently working in Egypt and Ethiopia.
Following the decision of the Polish government, Poland closed its borders to air and railway traffic for 10 days. All people coming from abroad have to quarantine for 14 days. After evaluation, a doctor takes the decision if it is home or hospital quarantine.
The best solution right now is to stay where you are and wait until flight restrictions are waved. Those who are in Egypt can come to Cairo at any time. They will be housed at the premises of the PCMA Research Centre in Cairo. So far neither Egypt nor Ethiopia has announced a state of emergency and there is no reason for the Polish government to organize the evacuation of Polish citizens from these countries.
However, those mission members and other PCMA UW associates who want to come back to Poland will be assisted in their travel arrangements by the PCMA UW. At the moment there are two ways to get to Poland: air travel to Germany and crossing of the German-Polish land border or air travel to Poland by a charter flight from Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh. Travel costs will be covered by the PCMA UW.
The acting director of the PCMA UW, Dr Artur Obłuski is calling upon those who want to return to Poland to contact head of their expedition or him directly with information on travel details – the time and final destination. However, be reminded of two issues: charter flights booking will be opened on Monday*, and both regular and charter flights will be in high demand so there is a possibility that you will not be booked for a flight on the requested date.
*UPDATE: On Saturday evening, Polish government opened registration for charter flights: https://www.lotdodomu.com/ Please let us know upon your departure, so that we can have up to date information on the number of our archaeologists staying in Egypt and Ethiopia.