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Poland's coronavirus cases rise to 36,951, deaths up to 1,551: health ministry

09.07.2020 13:36
A total of 36,951 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Poland, with 1,551 deaths from the COVID-19 respiratory disease so far, officials said on Thursday.
Image: TumisuPixabay
Image: Tumisu/Pixabay Pixabay License

The number of new virus cases rose by 262 from the previous day, while the death toll increased by nine, according to public health authorities.

On Wednesday, the Polish health ministry reported 15 deaths and 277 new coronavirus infections nationwide.

Meanwhile, 25,477 people have recovered from COVID-19 throughout the country, the health ministry also said.

'State of epidemic'

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.

Easing of restrictions

Some restrictions were relaxed in late April, 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.

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

Poland then relaxed face mask rules, 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.

Poland has also reopened outdoor sports areas and allowed football matches to be played behind closed doors in late May.

Culture and entertainment venues as well as indoor sports facilities were allowed to restart their operations from June 6.

Most schools at all levels of education stayed shut to students until the end of the academic year on June 26, providing distance learning instead of in-person classes.

Poland reopened its borders with its European Union neighbours last month.

The country reopened its skies for domestic flights on June 1, while some international flights were allowed to resume later in the month.

Polish football and speedway stadiums reopened to spectators at 25 percent capacity on June 19.

(pk)

Source: PAP/IAR