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New daily high of COVID-19 cases in Poland

31.10.2020 10:45
Poland reported a record rise in coronavirus infections for the fifth consecutive day on Saturday, confirming 21,897 new cases. This is the most since the pandemic hit the country in early March.
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The death toll increased by 280, informed the Health Ministry. Meanwhile over the past 24 hours 5,556 people have recovered.

A total of 362,731 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Poland since the pandemic began. The toll of COVID-19 now stands at 5,631 deaths.

Of the new cases confirmed on Saturday, most (3,138) were in the central region of Mazovia and capital Warsaw.

2,329 new infections were reported in western Greater Poland and the city of Poznań. 2,274 were in the southern mining region of Silesia and 1,707 in Lesser Poland.

Last Thursday, Poland reported its highest daily toll of 301 deaths related to the coronavirus and 20,156 new infections nationwide, compared with 236 deaths and 18,820 fresh cases a day earlier.

Following the surge in cases, tougher measures against COVID-19 came into effect across Poland at the end of last week.

The entire country was declared a "red zone" with restrictions that were previously limited to areas most affected by the coronavirus.

Children under 16 are allowed to leave their homes only under the supervision of an adult between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Bars, restaurants and cafes are only allowed to provide take-aways and delivery orders.

Gatherings of more than five people have been forbidden, though people who live or work together are exempt from the rule.

People aged over 70 have been asked not to leave their homes unless necessary. This after special shopping hours for people aged over 60 between 10 a.m. and noon were introduced earlier this month.

Secondary schools and universities throughout the country have switched to distance learning. Meanwhile, primary schools are still providing in-person instruction to younger pupils.

As of October 10, everyone is required to wear a face covering when going out in public: outdoors as well as in most indoor environments.

Amid the escalating outbreak, the country has been setting up a network of temporary hospitals to treat coronavirus patients. In Warsaw, such a temporary hospital has been organized at the National Stadium.

Source: IAR/PAP