A total of 167,230 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Poland since the pandemic began, and 3,542 have died in connection with the COVID-19 respiratory disease so far, 90,162 people have recovered officials announced.
Of the new cases confirmed on Saturday, the highest number of infections , 1485 was recorded in the central region of Mazowieckie, which contains the capital Warsaw. The second highest number of infections were reported in the southern province of Małopolskie, which includes the historic city of Krakow .
Tougher measures to battle COVID-19 come into force in Poland on Saturday , with the number of “red” zones - those with the most severe restrictions - increased to cover almost half the country.
Secondary schools and universities in such areas, which include major Polish cities like Warsaw, Krakow or Lodz, will have to switch to distance learning, while wedding parties will not be allowed. Fitness clubs in red zones have been closed , while restaurants, pubs , eateries can operate from 6 am until 9 pm, with respect of the distancing measures.
Poland on Thursday introduced special shopping hours for people aged over 60 between 10 a.m. and noon.
Amid the spike in coronavirus cases, strict new rules came into effect in the country last weekend under which everyone is required to wear a face covering when going out in public.