The Government Security Centre issued an urgent warning on February 20 for residents of parts of the Mazovian, Greater Poland, and Łódź voivodeships. The reason for the alarm is a rapid deterioration in air quality and high concentrations of PM10 particulate matter. Authorities are urging people to limit outdoor physical activity and avoid ventilating rooms to minimize exposure to the harmful substances that make up smog.

RCB Alert in Three Regions

Warnings about smog covered counties in the voivodeships: Mazovian, Greater Poland, and Łódź due to PM10 particulate matter.

Financial Crisis at the National Health Fund

Arrears of the National Health Fund towards hospitals have reached 8 billion zloty, threatening the continuity of treatment.

Peak of Flu Cases

Doctors in Gdańsk report an increase in child hospitalizations, warning that the peak season will last until March.

Support for Working Parents

A benefit of 1500 PLN monthly is available for childcare up to the 35th month of life.

On Friday, February 20, 2026, the Government Security Centre (RCB) activated an SMS notification system for residents of selected counties in central and western Poland. The Centre warns of a significant exceedance of PM10 particulate matter norms, which poses a direct threat to the respiratory system. Alerts were sent, among others, to people in the Krotoszyn, Otwock, Pabianice, and Łask counties, as well as in Piotrków Trybunalski. Experts remind that PM10 particulate matter is particularly dangerous for children, the elderly, and people suffering from cardiovascular diseases. The smog problem in Poland traditionally intensifies during the heating season, which is related to so-called low emissions, i.e., the burning of solid fuels in outdated household boilers.The meteorological situation conducive to pollution accumulation coincides with a difficult situation in the healthcare service. Representatives of the Polish Hospital Federation are sounding the alarm about the growing financial arrears of the National Health Fund, which have already reached 8 billion zloty for services provided last year. „These figures have reignited the debate about the financial liquidity of the healthcare system and the risk of further limiting the availability of services.” — Jarosław Fedorowski Simultaneously, medical facilities, such as the Polanki Children's Hospital in Gdańsk, are grappling with the peak of the flu season. Since the beginning of the year, nearly 180 hospitalizations of children infected with type A and B viruses have been recorded there. Doctors urge vigilance, as high smog concentrations further weaken patients' immunity. In the area of social support, the Active Parents at Work program is being highlighted, under which parents of children aged 12-35 months can receive 1500 PLN or 1900 PLN monthly. These funds are intended for people combining professional duties with childcare. Meanwhile, local governments must prepare for UODO inspections concerning data security in Public Information Bulletins. Failure to meet information protection standards may result in severe financial penalties imposed on municipalities and counties.

Mentioned People

  • Jarosław Fedorowski — President of the Polish Hospital Federation, informing about the National Health Fund's arrears.
  • Małgorzata Paszkowicz — President of the Polanki Children's Hospital in Gdańsk.