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Poland's COVID-19 cases rise to 7,049, deaths up to 251: health ministry

14.04.2020 10:15
A total of 7,049 people have tested positive for the COVID-19 disease in Poland, with 251 deaths from the coronavirus so far, officials said on Tuesday 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 117 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 four men and two women aged from 60 to 82, the Polish health ministry said in a tweet.

It added that most of these patients had pre-existing medical conditions.

On Monday, the Polish health ministry reported 13 deaths throughout the day and 260 new coronavirus infections nationwide.

The health ministry announced on Tuesday morning that 2,471 people with suspected coronavirus infection were in hospitals nationwide, with a further 144,875 quarantined, and 28,665 under epidemiological supervision.

Meanwhile, 618 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 since 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.

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 April 26.

The government at the end of last month 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. 

Poland’s prime minister last week said that a swathe of restrictions were being extended as the country battles the outbreak.

Poles will from April 16 have to wear face masks or scarves covering their nose and mouth when out in public.

(gs/pk)

Source: IAR, PAP