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Poland's COVID-19 cases rise to 22,303, deaths up to 1,025: health ministry

27.05.2020 10:05
A total of 22,303 people have tested positive for the COVID-19 disease in Poland, with 1,025 deaths from the coronavirus so far, officials said on Wednesday morning.
An intensive care unit for coronavirus patients at a hospital run by Polands interior ministry in Warsaw.
An intensive care unit for coronavirus patients at a hospital run by Poland's interior ministry in Warsaw.Photo: PAP/Leszek Szymański

The number of new virus cases rose by 229 from the previous day, while the death toll increased by one, according to public health authorities.

The latest death in Poland’s coronavirus outbreak is a 77-year-old woman in the central town of Zgierz, the Polish health ministry said in a tweet.

It added that the patient had pre-existing medical conditions.

On Tuesday, the Polish health ministry reported 17 deaths throughout the day and 445 new coronavirus infections nationwide, compared with 11 deaths and 341 new cases a day earlier.

The health ministry announced on Wednesday morning that 2,320 people with suspected coronavirus infection were in hospitals nationwide, with a further 79,007 quarantined, and 19,682 under epidemiological supervision.

All these figures were higher than those reported a day earlier.

Meanwhile, 10,330 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 banned public gatherings and closed all pubs, clubs and restaurants.

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

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

Some restrictions were relaxed last month, and hotels and shopping malls were allowed to reopen in early May as the country moved to the next phase of easing its coronavirus lockdown.

Nurseries and preschools throughout the country have been given the green light to resume operations.

Poland has also reopened outdoor sports areas and allowed football matches to be played behind closed doors.

Hairdressers, beauty parlours, restaurants, bars and cafes were allowed to reopen to customers last week.

Polish elementary schools began reopening to young children on Monday as the country lifted more COVID-19 safety measures.

Meanwhile, regular classes at all levels of Polish schools remain suspended until at least June 7.

(gs)

Source: IAR, PAP, TVP Info