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Poland reports 221 new coronavirus cases, no new deaths

30.05.2020 10:30
A total of 23,376 people have tested positive for the COVID-19 disease in Poland, with 1,051 deaths from the coronavirus so far, officials said on Saturday 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 221 from the previous day, while the death toll remained unchanged, according to public health authorities.

On Friday, the Polish health ministry reported 13 deaths throughout the day and 333 new coronavirus infections nationwide, compared with 10 deaths and 352 new cases a day earlier.

The health ministry announced on Saturday morning that 2,207 people with suspected coronavirus infection were in hospitals nationwide, with a further 80,182 quarantined, and 19,161 under epidemiological supervision.

Meanwhile, 11,016 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 effort 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 relaxed face mask rules on Saturday, and it also allowed public gatherings of up to 150 people.

In another move to ease coronavirus measures, the government lifted restrictions on how many people can gather in places such as retail outlets, restaurants and churches though face coverings and social distancing are still required.

Culture and entertainment venues as well as indoor sports facilities will be allowed to reopen from June 6.

Polish football stadiums are set to reopen to spectators from June 19.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP, TVP Info