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Poland's COVID-19 cases rise to 13,937, deaths up to 683: health ministry

04.05.2020 10:30
A total of 13,937 people have tested positive for the COVID-19 disease in Poland, with 683 deaths from the coronavirus so far, officials said on Monday 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 244 from the previous day, while the death toll increased by five, according to public health authorities.

The latest deaths in Poland’s coronavirus outbreak are a 51-year-old man and four women aged 64 to 93, the Polish health ministry said in a tweet.

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

On Sunday, the Polish health ministry reported 15 deaths throughout the day and 318 new coronavirus infections nationwide, compared with 13 deaths and 270 new cases a day earlier.

The health ministry announced on Monday morning that 2,653 people with suspected coronavirus infection were in hospitals nationwide, with a further 96,699 quarantined, and 17,785 under epidemiological supervision.

Meanwhile, 4,095 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 closed all pubs, clubs and restaurants.

Some restrictions were relaxed last month, and hotels and shopping malls are free to reopen from Monday as the country moves to the next phase of easing its coronavirus lockdown.

Public gatherings of more than two people remain banned.

Health and government officials have urged Poles to stay home and practice social distancing.

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

Schools are due to remain shut until May 24 as Poland battles the epidemic.

Meanwhile, nurseries and preschools throughout the country have been given the greenlight to resume operations from Wednesday.

Poland has also decided to reopen outdoor sports areas from Monday and plans to allow its top football league to resume behind closed doors at the end of this month.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP, TVP Info