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Poles urged to take special care over the All Saints' weekend as COVID-19 infection numbers rise towards ten thousand daily

30.10.2021 16:00
Cemeteries are open to visitors but authorities have been appealing to Poles to exercise special caution to safeguard against infection
Flower sellers at Powązki Cemetery in Warsaw
Flower sellers at Powązki Cemetery in WarsawPAP/Albert Zawada

 The health Ministry has reported 9798 new COVID-19 infections and 115 more deaths related to COVID-19. This is the highest daily number reported since April 23.

 A week ago, the Ministry reported 6277 infections and 75 deaths.

 A year ago exactly, Poland saw its highest number of new infections since the pandemic started: 21 629, and 202 deaths.

 Of the new cases confirmed this Saturday, most were in the central province of Mazovia, with capital Warsaw (2009), followed by the eastern Lubelskie (1649), which continues to have one of the lowest vaccination rates in the country.

 This was followed by 694 cases in the north-eastern region of Podlasie.

 Meanwhile over 39 million COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered in the country. As of November 2nd all adults in Poland will be able to register for the third booster dose.

 Saturday begins the long All Saints' and All Souls' weekend when Poles traditionally visit cemeteries to honour the dead. A year ago, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, public health authorites closed cemeteries to visitors for November 1st, however this year cemeteries remain open.

 Nonetheless, the health authorities have been appealing to Poles to exercise special caution, avoid crowds, wear masks, wash hands and disinfect frequently.

Source: PAP/IAR