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Poland's COVID-19 cases rise to 13,105, deaths up to 651: health ministry

01.05.2020 20:30
A total of 13,105 people have tested positive for the COVID-19 disease in Poland, with 651 deaths from the coronavirus so far, officials said on Friday.
Coronavirus in Poland: A healthcare professional wearing protective gear performs a swab test on a patient at a hospital in Warsaw.
Coronavirus in Poland: A healthcare professional wearing protective gear performs a swab test on a patient at a hospital in Warsaw.Photo: PAP/Leszek Szymański

The number of new virus cases rose by 228 from the previous day, while the death toll increased by seven, according to public health authorities.

The latest deaths in Poland’s coronavirus outbreak are six men and one woman, aged 55 to 89, the Polish health ministry said in a tweet.

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

On Thursday, the Polish health ministry reported 20 deaths throughout the day and 300 new coronavirus infections nationwide, compared with 28 deaths and 422 new cases a day earlier.

The health ministry announced on Friday that 2,789 people with suspected coronavirus infection were in hospitals nationwide, with a further 92,458 quarantined, and 18,433 under epidemiological supervision, according to the health ministry.

Meanwhile, 3,491 people have recovered from COVID-19 throughout 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.

Some restrictions were relaxed last week, and on Wednesday Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced that hotels and shopping malls would reopen from May 4 as the country moves to the next phase of easing its coronavirus lockdown.

Meanwhile, public gatherings of more than two people remain banned.

Poles have been ordered to wear masks or other face coverings when out in public.

Schools will remain shut until May 24, the country’s education minister announced on Friday.

The country plans to reopen outdoor sports areas on May 4 and allow its top football league to resume behind closed doors at the end of next month.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP, TVP Info