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Poland's COVID-19 cases rise to 14,006, deaths up to 698: health ministry

04.05.2020 17:45
A total of 14,006 people have tested positive for the COVID-19 disease in Poland, with 698 deaths from the coronavirus so far, officials said on Monday afternoon.
Coronavirus in Poland: A healthcare professional wearing protective gear performs a swab test on a patient at a hospital in the eastern city of Lublin.
Coronavirus in Poland: A healthcare professional wearing protective gear performs a swab test on a patient at a hospital in the eastern city of Lublin.Photo: PAP/Wojtek Jargiło

The number of new virus cases rose by 313 from the previous day, while the death toll increased by 20, according to public health authorities.

The latest deaths in Poland’s coronavirus outbreak are 11 men and four women aged 44 to 88, the Polish health ministry said in a tweet.

It added that most of these patients had pre-existing medical conditions.

On Sunday, the Polish health ministry reported 15 deaths throughout the day and 318 new coronavirus infections nationwide, compared with 13 deaths and 270 new cases a day earlier.

The health ministry announced on Monday morning that 2,653 people with suspected coronavirus infection were in hospitals nationwide, with a further 96,699 quarantined, and 17,785 under epidemiological supervision.

Meanwhile, 4,095 people have recovered from COVID-19 throughout the country, the health ministry also said.

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 since 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.

In another move to contain the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic, the government has closed all pubs, clubs and restaurants.

Some restrictions were relaxed last month, and hotels and shopping malls are free to reopen from Monday as the country moves to the next phase of easing its coronavirus lockdown.

Public gatherings of more than two people remain banned.

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

People have been ordered to wear masks or other face coverings when out in public.

Schools are due to remain shut until May 24 as Poland battles the epidemic.

Meanwhile, nurseries and preschools throughout the country have been given the green light to resume operations from Wednesday.

Poland also began reopening outdoor sports areas on Monday and plans to allow its top football league to resume behind closed doors at the end of this month.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP, TVP Info