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Poland's COVID-19 cases rise to 17,469, deaths up to 869: health ministry

14.05.2020 10:05
A total of 17,469 people have tested positive for the COVID-19 disease in Poland, with 869 deaths from the coronavirus so far, officials said on Thursday morning.
An infectious diseases hospital in Łańcut, southeastern Poland.
An infectious diseases hospital in Łańcut, southeastern Poland.Photo: PAP/Darek Delmanowicz

The number of new virus cases rose by 265 from the previous day, while the death toll increased by eight, according to public health authorities.

The latest deaths in Poland’s coronavirus outbreak are three men, aged 66, 78 and 93, and five women, aged 62 to 90, the Polish health ministry said in a tweet.

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

On Wednesday, the Polish health ministry reported 23 deaths throughout the day and 322 new coronavirus infections nationwide, compared with 28 deaths and a record 595 new cases a day earlier.

The health ministry announced on Thursday morning that 2,538 people with suspected coronavirus infection were in hospitals nationwide, with a further 96,708 quarantined, and 18,256 under epidemiological supervision.

Meanwhile, 6,696 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 banned public gatherings and closed all pubs, clubs and restaurants.

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.

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

The country’s prime minister announced on Wednesday that hairdressers and beauty parlours would be allowed to reopen on May 18.

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.

Poland also reopened outdoor sports areas last week 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