The health ministry in Warsaw reported earlier in the day that another coronavirus patient had died in Poland, bringing the country’s total death toll from the COVID-19 disease to 15.
In a new announcement, officials said tests had shown one of the previously reported deaths—that of a 71-year-old man in the southwestern city of Wrocław—was not linked to the coronavirus.
Meanwhile, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Poland rose by 69 on Thursday, bringing the total to 1,120, according to public health authorities.
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 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 have been suspended. The government is chartering special flights to help Poles abroad return home.
In another move to contain the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic, the government has limited the operations of shopping malls and closed all pubs, clubs and entertainment venues.
Public gatherings of more than two people have been banned.
The Polish health ministry said on Wednesday that 1,615 people with suspected coronavirus infection were in hospitals nationwide, with a further 70,528 quarantined, 138,680 ordered to self-isolate after arriving from abroad, and 56,930 under epidemiological supervision.
Health and government officials have urged Poles to stay home and practice social distancing.
(gs/pk)
Source: IAR