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Poland reimposes stricter COVID-19 rules in worst-hit areas

08.08.2020 07:00
Poland on Saturday reimposed stricter COVID-19 measures in some of its worst affected areas following a recent spike in infections.
A coronavirus testing site in Polands western Wielkopolskie region where an outbreak has emerged among poultry plant workers.
A coronavirus testing site in Poland's western Wielkopolskie region where an outbreak has emerged among poultry plant workers.Photo: PAP/Tomasz Wojtasik

In a first step, restrictions were temporarily reinstated in 19 counties with the highest increases in new cases.

These include areas in the Silesia coal region in the south, the neighbouring Małopolskie province, and the western province of Wielkopolskie, where a number of new virus hot spots have emerged recently.

Depending on the severity of outbreaks, renewed “red” and “yellow” measures include obligatory wearing of face masks outdoors, curbs on sporting facilities and cultural venues, and restrictions for those using public transportation.

Authorities also limited the number of people who are able to attend weddings, funerals and other events in worst-hit areas.

The new rules kicked in after the country a day earlier reported a record single-day rise in coronavirus cases for the sixth time since the middle of last week.

The number of new virus cases confirmed on Friday rose by 809 from the previous day, while the death toll increased by 13, according to public health authorities.

Poland’s health ministry last week reported rising numbers of new coronavirus cases for three days in a row, with infections hitting a previous daily high of 658 on Saturday.

Officials warned at the time that some restrictions could be reinstated if cases continued to rise as a result of people flouting public-health guidelines.

Health Minister Łukasz Szumowski told reporters earlier this week that Poland was likely to see a further rise in confirmed coronavirus cases during the next several days amid stepped-up testing.

(gs)

Source: PAP, IAR, TVP Info