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Poland's COVID-19 cases rise to 17,850, deaths up to 893: health ministry

15.05.2020 10:15
A total of 17,850 people have tested positive for the COVID-19 disease in Poland, with 893 deaths from the coronavirus so far, officials said on Friday morning.
The Warsaw headquarters of the Polish Ministry of Health.
The Warsaw headquarters of the Polish Ministry of Health.Photo: PAP/Radek Pietruszka

The number of new virus cases rose by 235 from the previous day, while the death toll increased by 10, according to public health authorities.

The latest deaths in Poland’s coronavirus outbreak are four men and six women, aged 67 to 82, the Polish health ministry said in a tweet.

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

On Thursday, the Polish health ministry reported 22 deaths throughout the day and 411 new coronavirus infections nationwide, compared with 23 deaths and 322 new cases a day earlier.

The health ministry announced on Friday morning that 2,579 people with suspected coronavirus infection were in hospitals nationwide, with a further 95,068 quarantined, and 18,363 under epidemiological supervision.

Meanwhile, 6,918 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 June 7 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