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Poland’s COVID-19 death toll rises to 32, cases up to 2,215: health ministry

31.03.2020 14:45
Another coronavirus patient has died in Poland, bringing the country’s total death toll from the COVID-19 disease to 32, authorities announced on Tuesday afternoon.
Paramedics transfer a suspected COVID-19 patient to a hospital in western Poland.
Paramedics transfer a suspected COVID-19 patient to a hospital in western Poland.Photo: PAP/Andrzej Lange

Meanwhile, the total number of infections nationwide increased by 160 during the day to 2,215, according to officials.

The latest death is a 70-year-old woman in the southern town of Tychy, the Polish health ministry said in a tweet.

On Monday, Poland’s public health authorities confirmed 193 new coronavirus infections nationwide, down from 224 a day earlier.

The Polish health ministry reported on Tuesday morning that 1,900 people with suspected coronavirus infection were in hospitals nationwide, with a further 106,525 quarantined, 163,789 ordered to self-isolate after arriving from abroad, and 52,370 under epidemiological supervision.

The first infection was confirmed by Polish authorities on March 4, while the country's first coronavirus fatality was announced on March 12.

Poland has declared a "state of epidemic" and temporarily closed its borders to non-residents in a move to curb the spread of the illness.

International scheduled flights and passenger rail connections were suspended on March 15. The government is chartering special flights to help Poles abroad return home.

In another move to contain the spread of the Covid-19 epidemic, the government has limited the operations of shopping malls and closed all pubs, clubs and entertainment venues.

Public gatherings of more than two people have been banned.

Health and government officials have urged Poles to stay home and practice social distancing.

An initial two-week closure of the country’s schools has been extended until Easter.

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Health Minister Łukasz Szumowski on Tuesday announced tough new restrictions on daily life as the country battles the coronavirus epidemic.

(gs/pk)

Source: IAR, PAP