WARSAW (Reuters). – Thirteen out of 17 members representing Poland’s Medical Council advising prime minister about COVID-19 resigned last Friday. The state-run PAP news agency reported the resignations, blaming a lack in scientific input on the policy.

Although Poland is home to one of highest death rates per capita in the world (and the second-highest), it has taken much smaller measures than most European countries to reduce the spread and severity of the coronavirus.

In a statement to PAP, the 13 members of council stated that “the discrepancy in scientific and medical reasoning and practice has been especially glaring when the very limited efforts in face of the fall wave and then of the threat from the Omicron variant have become extremely glaring,” they said.

According to the government of Poland, it is often faced with opposition from different bodies and not only advisers.

In a statement, the government stated that it was the responsibility of government to consider the opinions of different experts (economists, medical councils, and others from areas affected by this epidemic).

The council’s methods of working would change without further explanation.

VACCINE HESITANCY

Poland only has 56.4% coverage, below what the European Union averages. There is a lot of vaccine resistance, especially in rural areas where the government’s core area lies.

The few restrictions that are in effect, like wearing masks inside enclosed spaces, or limiting the number of people in bars and restaurants is not enforced well.

Over 100,000 COVID-19-related deaths occurred this week. Physicians blame low vaccination rates and resistance to following regulations for the high number.

The resignation council members stated that they observed an increase in tolerance in people’s attitudes to the risks posed by COVID-19, and the necessity of vaccines in fighting the pandemic.

Doctors widely condemn the refusal by the government to fire an education officer who called vaccinations “experiments” despite repeated calls from ministers for Poles to be vaccinated.