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Poland's coronavirus cases rise to 37,216, deaths up to 1,562: health ministry

10.07.2020 13:01
A total of 37,216 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Poland, with 1,562 deaths from the COVID-19 respiratory disease so far, officials said on Friday.
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The number of new virus cases rose by 265 from the previous day, while the death toll increased by 11, according to public health authorities.

Of the new cases confirmed on Friday, 88 were in the country's southern Silesia coal region, where infections have spiked in mines.

Meanwhile, 26,048 people have recovered from COVID-19 throughout the country, the health ministry said.

On Thursday, the Polish health ministry reported nine deaths and 262 new coronavirus infections nationwide.

'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