English Section

Poland's COVID-19 cases rise to 22,964, deaths up to 1,043: health ministry

29.05.2020 10:05
A total of 22,964 people have tested positive for the COVID-19 disease in Poland, with 1,043 deaths from the coronavirus so far, officials said on Friday morning.
An intensive care unit for coronavirus patients at a hospital run by Polands interior ministry in Warsaw.
An intensive care unit for coronavirus patients at a hospital run by Poland's interior ministry in Warsaw.Photo: PAP/Leszek Szymański

The number of new virus cases rose by 141 from the previous day, while the death toll increased by five, according to public health authorities.

The latest deaths in Poland’s coronavirus outbreak are five women aged 51 to 87, the Polish health ministry said in a tweet.

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

On Thursday, the Polish health ministry reported 10 deaths throughout the day and 352 new coronavirus infections nationwide, compared with four deaths and 399 new cases a day earlier.

The health ministry announced on Friday morning that 2,035 people with suspected coronavirus infection were in hospitals nationwide, with a further 79,995 quarantined, and 18,224 under epidemiological supervision.

Meanwhile, 10,692 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 urged Poles to stay home and practice social distancing.

People were 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 allowed football matches to be played behind closed doors.

Hairdressers, beauty parlours, restaurants, bars and cafes were allowed to reopen to customers last week.

Polish elementary schools began reopening to young children on Monday as the country lifted more COVID-19 safety measures.

Meanwhile, regular classes at all levels of Polish schools remain suspended until at least June 7.

Poland is set to relax face mask rules on Saturday, and it will also allow culture and entertainment venues as well as indoor sports facilities to reopen from June 6.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP, TVP Info