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Poland's COVID-19 cases rise to 20,143, deaths up to 972: health ministry

21.05.2020 19:20
A total of 20,143 people have tested positive for the COVID-19 disease in Poland, with 972 deaths from the coronavirus so far, officials said on Thursday evening.
Photo: Pixabay.com
Photo: Pixabay.comPixabay License

The number of new virus cases rose by 405 from the previous day, while the death toll increased by ten, according to public health authorities.

On Wednesday, the Polish health ministry reported 14 deaths throughout the day and 471 new coronavirus infections nationwide, compared with 12 deaths and 383 new cases a day earlier.

Meanwhile, 8,452 people have recovered from COVID-19 throughout the country, the health ministry said on Thursday morning.

 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 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, beauty parlours, restaurants, bars and cafes were allowed to reopen this week.

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

(pk)

Source: IAR