A total of 395,480 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in Poland since the pandemic began, and 5,875 have died in connection with the COVID-19 respiratory disease so far, officials announced.
Of the new cases confirmed on Monday, the most - 2,218 - were in the central region of Mazowieckie, which contains the national capital Warsaw.
The latest deaths in Poland’s coronavirus outbreak are 85 people with pre-existing medical conditions and seven who died directly because of COVID-19, the Polish health ministry said in a tweet.
The latest figures appear to indicate a slowdown in the advance of the epidemic, at least for now.
On Saturday, Poland reported a record rise in coronavirus infections for the fifth consecutive day, confirming 21,897 new cases, the most since the pandemic hit the country in early March.
Last Thursday, Poland reported its highest daily toll of 301 deaths related to the coronavirus.
On Sunday, the health ministry confirmed 17,171 new cases of coronavirus infection in Poland, and 152 more deaths.
Poland’s health minister has decided that medical staff fighting the COVID-19 pandemic will receive double pay, including paramedics and diagnosticians in hospital laboratories.
Tougher measures to battle COVID-19 came into effect across Poland last month following a surge in cases.
The entire country is now covered by restrictions that were previously limited to areas most affected by the coronavirus.
Children under 16 are allowed to leave their homes only under the supervision of an adult between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Meanwhile, pubs, restaurants and cafes are only allowed to provide take-aways and delivery orders.
Gatherings of more than five people have been forbidden, though people who live or work together are exempt from the rule.
Also, the government has appealed to people aged over 70 not to leave their homes unless necessary.
Poland last month introduced special shopping hours for people aged over 60 between 10 a.m. and noon.
Secondary schools and universities throughout the country have switched to distance learning. Meanwhile, primary schools are still providing in-person instruction to younger pupils.
Amid a spike in coronavirus cases, strict new rules came into effect in the country earlier in October under which everyone is required to wear a face covering when going out in public.
Beginning Saturday, October 10, people must cover their mouths and noses when outdoors in public places as well as in most indoor environments nationwide.
Amid an escalating outbreak, the country has decided to set up a network of temporary hospitals to treat coronavirus patients.
With 118 COVID-19 deaths per million population, Poland remains far less affected by the coronavirus epidemic than many other countries in Europe, recent statistics have shown.
To compare, Belgium has had 931 deaths per million residents since the start of the pandemic, according to the Polish health ministry, while Spain has 741 and Britain reports 662.
(pk)
Source: IAR/PAP