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Poland's COVID-19 cases rise to 18,746, deaths up to 929: health ministry

18.05.2020 10:05
A total of 18,746 people have tested positive for the COVID-19 disease in Poland, with 929 deaths from the coronavirus so far, officials said on Monday 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 217 from the previous day, while the death toll increased by four, according to public health authorities.

The latest deaths in Poland’s coronavirus outbreak are an 88-year-old man and three women aged 53, 69 and 91, the Polish health ministry said in a tweet.

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

On Sunday, the Polish health ministry reported 10 deaths throughout the day and 272 new coronavirus infections nationwide, compared with eight deaths and 241 new cases a day earlier.

The health ministry announced on Monday morning that 2,544 people with suspected coronavirus infection were in hospitals nationwide, with a further 80,947 quarantined, and 18,772 under epidemiological supervision.

Meanwhile, 7,628 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 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 in early May as the country moved to the next phase of easing its coronavirus lockdown.

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.

Hairdressers and beauty parlours were set to reopen from Monday.

Schools are due to remain shut until June 7 as Poland battles the epidemic.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP, TVP Info