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Poland's COVID-19 cases rise to 17,615, deaths up to 883: health ministry

14.05.2020 19:01
A total of 17,615 people have tested positive for the COVID-19 disease in Poland, with 883 deaths from the coronavirus so far, officials said on Thursday afternoon.
Image by leo2014 from Pixabay
Image by leo2014 from Pixabay Pixabay License

The number of new virus cases rose by 411 from the previous day, while the death toll increased by 22, according to public health authorities.

Of the new cases confirmed on Thursday, 302 were in the southern Silesia coal region, where infections have shot up in mines.

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.

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.

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, beauty parlours, bars, cafes and restaurants would be allowed to reopen on May 18.

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.

(pk)

Source: PAP