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Poland's COVID-19 death toll hits 286, cases rise to 7,582

15.04.2020 18:36
A total of 7,582 people have tested positive for the COVID-19 disease in Poland, with 286 deaths from the coronavirus so far, officials said on Wednesday afternoon.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay Pixabay License

The number of new virus cases rose by 380 from the previous day, while the death toll increased by 23, according to public health authorities.

The latest deaths in Poland’s coronavirus outbreak are people aged from 61 to 87, the Polish health ministry said, adding that most had underlying health problems.

On Tuesday, the Polish health ministry reported 18 deaths throughout the day and 270 new coronavirus infections nationwide, compared with 13 deaths and 260 new cases 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 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 Thursday have to wear face masks or scarves covering their nose and mouth when out in public.

(pk/gs)

Source: PAP