English Section

Poland's COVID-19 cases rise to 3,149, deaths up to 59: health ministry

03.04.2020 10:40
A total of 3,149 people have tested positive for the COVID-19 disease in Poland, with 59 deaths from the coronavirus so far, officials said on Friday morning.
The Warsaw headquarters of the Polish Ministry of Health.
The Warsaw headquarters of the Polish Ministry of Health.Photo: PAP/Radek Pietruszka

The number of new virus cases rose by 203 from the previous day, while the death toll increased by two, according to public health authorities.

The latest deaths in Poland’s coronavirus outbreak are an 80-year-old woman in the southern town of Bytom and an 87-year-old woman in the western city of Poznań, the Polish health ministry said in a tweet.

It added that both women had pre-existing medical conditions.

On Thursday, the health ministry reported a record 14 deaths throughout the day and 392 new coronavirus infections nationwide, compared with 10 deaths and 243 new cases a day earlier.

The Polish health ministry announced on Friday morning that 2,158 people with suspected coronavirus infection were in hospitals nationwide, with a further 174,997 quarantined, and 44,491 under epidemiological supervision.

All three figures were lower than those reported a day earlier.

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 were suspended on March 15. 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.

Health and government officials have urged Poles to stay home and practice social distancing.

An initial two-week closure of the country’s schools has been extended until Easter.

The government on Tuesday announced tough new restrictions on daily life, banning children under 18 from leaving home unless supervised by an adult, closing parks and beaches, and ordering most hotels to shut. 

(gs/pk)

Source: IAR, PAP