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Poland's coronavirus cases hit 5,205, deaths up to 159: health ministry

08.04.2020 18:44
A total of 5,205 people have tested positive for the COVID-19 disease in Poland, with 159 deaths from the coronavirus so far, officials said on Wednesday afternoon.
Image: PIRO4DPixabay
Image: PIRO4D/Pixabay Pixabay License

The number of new virus cases rose by 357 from the previous day, while the death toll increased by a record 30, according to public health authorities.

On Tuesday, the Polish health ministry reported 22 deaths throughout the day and 435 new coronavirus infections nationwide, compared with 13 deaths and 311 new cases a day earlier.

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 then began 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.

The government last Tuesday announced tough new restrictions on daily life, banning children under 18 from leaving home unless supervised by an adult, closing parks and beaches, and ordering most hotels to shut. 

Officials have urged Poles to spend the upcoming Easter holidays at home and scrap any travel plans amid the COVID-19 epidemic.

(pk/gs)

 Source: PAP