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Coronavirus deaths in Poland rise to 43, cases up to 2,554: health ministry

01.04.2020 22:04
A total of 2,554 people have tested positive for the COVID-19 disease in Poland, with 43 deaths from the coronavirus so far, officials said on Wednesday evening.
Paramedics transport a patient suspected of being infected with the coronavirus to a hospital in Warsaw.
Paramedics transport a patient suspected of being infected with the coronavirus to a hospital in Warsaw.Photo: PAP/Andrzej Lange

The number of new virus cases rose by 243 from the previous day, while the death toll increased by 10, according to public health authorities.

The latest deaths in Poland’s coronavirus outbreak are three men and four women aged from 59 to 94, all of them with pre-existing medical problems, the Polish health ministry said in a tweet.

On Tuesday, the health ministry reported two deaths and 256 new coronavirus infections nationwide, up from 193 the previous day and 224 on Sunday.

The Polish health ministry announced on Tuesday afternoon that 1,924 people with suspected coronavirus infection were in hospitals nationwide, with a further 171,994 quarantined, and 50,804 under epidemiological supervision.

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 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. The government is chartering special flights to help Poles abroad return home.

In another move to contain the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic, the government has limited the operations of shopping malls and closed all pubs, clubs and entertainment venues.

Public gatherings of more than two people have been banned.

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

An initial two-week closure of the country’s schools has been extended until Easter.

The government on Tuesday announced tough new restrictions on daily life, banning children under 18 from leaving home unless supervised by an adult, closing parks and beaches, and ordering most hotels to shut. 

(gs/pk)

Source: IAR, PAP