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Poland's COVID-19 cases rise to 5,341, deaths up to 164: health ministry

09.04.2020 10:15
A total of 5,341 people have tested positive for the COVID-19 disease in Poland, with 164 deaths from the coronavirus so far, officials said on Thursday 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 136 from the previous day, while the death toll increased by six, according to public health authorities.

The latest deaths in Poland’s coronavirus outbreak are three men and three women aged from 35 to 90, all of them with pre-existing medical problems, the Polish health ministry said in a tweet.

On Wednesday, the Polish health ministry reported a record 30 deaths throughout the day and 357 new coronavirus infections nationwide, compared with 22 deaths and 435 new cases a day earlier.

The health ministry announced on Thursday morning that 2,473 people with suspected coronavirus infection were in hospitals nationwide, with a further 152,898 quarantined, and 33,989 under epidemiological supervision.

Meanwhile, 284 patients have recovered from COVID-19 in hospitals across the country, the health ministry also said.

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 then began 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 last week 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. 

Officials have urged Poles to spend the upcoming Easter holidays at home and scrap any travel plans amid the COVID-19 epidemic.

(gs/pk)

Source: IAR, PAP