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Poland's COVID-19 cases rise to 14,740, deaths up to 733: health ministry

06.05.2020 18:19
A total of 14,740 people have tested positive for the COVID-19 disease in Poland, with 733 deaths from the coronavirus so far, officials said on Wednesday afternoon.
Image by fernando zhiminaicela from Pixabay
Image by fernando zhiminaicela from Pixabay Pixabay License

The number of new virus cases rose by 311 from the previous day, while the death toll increased by 18, according to public health authorities.

Referring to the latest fatalities, the Polish health ministry said most of the patients had pre-existing medical conditions.

On Tuesday, the ministry reported 19 deaths throughout the day and 425 new coronavirus infections nationwide, compared with 20 deaths and 313 new cases a day earlier.

Meanwhile, 4,655 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 were allowed to reopen from this week as the country moved 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 greenlight to resume operations from Wednesday.

Poland has also decided to reopen outdoor sports areas from Monday and plans to allow its top football league to resume behind closed doors at the end of this month.

(pk)

Source: IAR