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Poland's COVID-19 cases rise to 23,686, deaths up to 1,064: health ministry

31.05.2020 10:05
A total of 23,686 people have tested positive for the COVID-19 disease in Poland, with 1,064 deaths from the coronavirus so far, officials said on Sunday morning.
Coronavirus in Poland: An intensive care unit for COVID-19 patients at a hospital in Warsaw.
Coronavirus in Poland: An intensive care unit for COVID-19 patients at a hospital in Warsaw.Photo: PAP/Leszek Szymański

The number of new virus cases rose by 115 from the previous day, while the death toll increased by three, according to public health authorities.

Of the new cases confirmed on Sunday, 92 were in the country's southern Silesia coal region, where infections have spiked in mines, state news agency PAP reported.

The latest deaths in Poland’s coronavirus outbreak are an 84-year-old woman in the western city of Poznań, an 83-year-old man in the southern town of Tychy, and a 65-year-old man in the town of Bytom, in the southern Silesia region, the Polish health ministry said in a tweet.

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

On Saturday, the Polish health ministry reported 10 deaths throughout the day and 416 new coronavirus infections nationwide, compared with 13 deaths and 333 new cases a day earlier.

The health ministry announced on Sunday morning that 2,134 people with suspected coronavirus infection were in hospitals nationwide, with a further 78,823 quarantined, and 18,947 under epidemiological supervision.

Meanwhile, 11,271 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