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Poland's COVID-19 cases rise to 18,529, deaths up to 925: health ministry

17.05.2020 20:47
A total of 18,529 people have tested positive for the COVID-19 disease in Poland, with 925 deaths from the coronavirus so far, officials said on Sunday evening.
Photo: Alexey_Hulsov
Photo: Alexey_HulsovPixabay License

The number of new virus cases rose by 272 from the previous day, while the death toll increased by 10, according to public health authorities.

Of the new cases confirmed on Sunday, 180 were in the southern Silesia coal region, where infections have shot up in mines.

Meanwhile, 7,451 people have recovered from COVID-19 throughout the country, the health ministry 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. 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 moved to the next phase of easing its coronavirus lockdown.

Hairdressers and beauty parlours were set to reopen on Monday. 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 has also reopened outdoor sports areas and plans to allow its top football league to resume behind closed doors at the end of this month.

(pk)

Source: PAP