English Section

Polish soldiers to man swab points in battle against virus

20.10.2020 18:30
Soldiers will help in Poland’s battle against the coronavirus epidemic by replacing civilian medics at swab collection points, officials said on Tuesday.
Deputy Defence Minister Wojciech Skurkiewicz.
Deputy Defence Minister Wojciech Skurkiewicz. Photo: PAP/Paweł Supernak

Deputy Defence Minister Wojciech Skurkiewicz said the move would free up civilian staff amid a surge in COVID-19 cases.

"We will free up high-class specialists - paramedics and nurses - and they will be replaced by soldiers, creating swab points throughout the country,” said Skurkiewicz.

He was speaking while accompanying Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on a visit to a territorial army command centre in Zegrze near Warsaw.

Poland on Tuesday reported 9,291 new coronavirus infections and 107 more deaths, bringing its total number of cases to 192,539 and fatalities to 3,721.

Amid an escalating epidemic, the country is setting up its first temporary hospital to treat coronavirus patients at the National Stadium in Warsaw.

Tougher measures to battle COVID-19 were introduced in Poland on Saturday, October 17, with the number of “red” zones - those with the most severe restrictions - increased to cover almost half the country.

(pk)

Source: PAP