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Coronavirus cases in Poland rise to 2,347, death toll at 35: health ministry

01.04.2020 09:00
A total of 2,347 people have tested positive for the COVID-19 disease in Poland, with 35 deaths from the coronavirus so far, officials announced on Wednesday morning.
Photo:
Photo:PAP/Wojtek Jargiło

The number of new virus cases rose by 36 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 83-year-old man who was being treated at a hospital in Warsaw and a 68-year-old man who died in the southern town of Tychy, the Polish health ministry said in a tweet.

It added that both men had suffered from other medical conditions along with COVID-19.

The health ministry on Tuesday confirmed 256 new coronavirus infections nationwide, up from 193 the previous day and 224 on Sunday.

The Polish health ministry reported on Tuesday afternoon that 1,924 people with suspected coronavirus infection were in hospitals nationwide, with a further 171,994 quarantined, and 50,804 under epidemiological supervision.

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