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UPDATE: New restrictions in Poland as COVID-19 infections hit record

23.10.2020 11:50
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on Friday announced a swathe of tougher rules designed to stem an escalating COVID-19 epidemic as infections hit a daily record.
Image: pixabay.com
Image: pixabay.comPixabay licence

From Saturday, the whole country will be covered by restrictions that currently apply in areas most affected by the coronavirus, Morawiecki said.

In a further move to step up the country’s battle against the virus, Morawiecki said that between 8am and 4pm, children up to 16 will be allowed to leave their homes only under the supervision of an adult.

Pubs, restaurants and cafes will for two weeks only be able to provide take-aways and delivery orders.

Meetings of more than five people forbidden

Meetings and gathering in groups of more than five will be forbidden. Meanwhile, classes for older primary school pupils will be held remotely.

The government appealed to people aged over 70 not to leave their homes unless necessary.

Poland reported a record rise in coronavirus infections for the third consecutive day on Friday, confirming 13,632 new cases, the most since the pandemic hit the country in early March.

The death toll increased by 153, according to public health authorities.

A total of 228,318 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Poland since the pandemic began, and 4,172 have died in connection with the COVID-19 respiratory disease so far, officials announced.

With 96 COVID-19 deaths per million population, Poland remains far less affected by the coronavirus epidemic than many other countries in Europe, new statistics have shown.

On Thursday, Polish MPs approved plans to double pay for medics who have to treat COVID-19 patients.

(pk)

Source: IAR