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Poland's COVID-19 cases rise to 12,415, deaths up to 606: health ministry

29.04.2020 10:15
A total of 12,415 people have tested positive for the COVID-19 disease in Poland, with 606 deaths from the coronavirus so far, officials said on Wednesday morning.
An infectious diseases hospital in the western Polish city of Poznań.
An infectious diseases hospital in the western Polish city of Poznań.Photo: PAP/Jakub Kaczmarczyk

The number of new virus cases rose by 197 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 four men and six women aged 62 to 96, the Polish health ministry said in a tweet.

It added that all of these patients had pre-existing medical conditions.

On Tuesday, the Polish health ministry reported 34 deaths throughout the day and 316 new coronavirus infections nationwide, compared with 27 deaths and 285 new cases a day earlier.

The health ministry announced on Wednesday morning that 2,973 people with suspected coronavirus infection were in hospitals nationwide, with a further 85,837 quarantined, and 18,016 under epidemiological supervision.

Meanwhile, 3,025 people have recovered from COVID-19 throughout the country, the health ministry also said.

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 since 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.

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.

People have been ordered to wear masks or other face coverings when out in public.

Schools will remain shut until May 24 as Poland battles the epidemic, the country’s education minister announced on Friday.

Poland last week eased some of its coronavirus lockdown restrictions, allowing more customers into stores and reopening parks and forests.

The country plans to reopen outdoor sports areas on May 4 and allow its top football league to resume behind closed doors at the end of next month.

(gs/pk)

Source: IAR, PAP, TVP Info