The latest figures marked a significant fall in terms of both new infections and deaths, though fewer tests are usually are carried out in Poland at weekends.
Of the new cases confirmed on Monday, the most - 609 - were in the central region of Mazowieckie, which contains the national capital Warsaw.
The latest deaths in Poland’s coronavirus outbreak are 82 people with pre-existing medical conditions and 10 who died directly because of COVID-19, the Polish health ministry said in a tweet.
On Sunday, Poland confirmed 228 deaths and 9,176 new coronavirus infections nationwide, compared with 502 deaths and 12,430 fresh cases a day earlier.
On Wednesday, November 25, officials reported 15,362 fresh COVID-19 infections and a record 674 new deaths linked to the coronavirus.
On Saturday, November 7, the Polish health ministry reported 27,875 new single-day cases, the most since the pandemic hit the country in early March.
Second wave hits hard
Tougher measures to battle COVID-19 came into effect across Poland last month following a surge in cases amid a second wave of the pandemic.
Hotels are only able to take in guests on business trips. Theatres, cinemas, museums and galleries have been told to close temporarily.
The government has announced that restaurants, cinemas, theaters and gyms will remain closed until at least December 27.
Schools and universities throughout the country have returned to distance learning.
Under restrictions announced in October, children under 16 are only allowed to leave their homes 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 in October introduced special shopping hours for people aged over 60 between 10 a.m. and noon.
Amid a spike in coronavirus cases, strict new rules came into effect in the country earlier this fall under which everyone is required to wear a face covering when going out in public.
Beginning 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.
Meanwhile, those testing positive for COVID-19 will be monitored remotely from their homes using special finger-clip devices called pulse oximeters, under a new plan announced by the country’s health minister on Monday, November 30.
Polish Health Minister Adam Niedzielski has warned that the chances of the country being hit by a third wave of the coronavirus would be greater if people did not spend the winter school break at home.
With 453 COVID-19 deaths per million population, Poland remains less affected by the coronavirus epidemic than some other countries in Europe, statistics have shown.
To compare, Belgium has 1,425 deaths per million residents since the start of the pandemic, according to new data released by the Polish health ministry on Tuesday, while Spain has 964 and Italy reports 920.
Vaccines on the horizon
Poland’s prime minister said on Wednesday, December 2, that his country could start free, voluntary, two-stage vaccinations against the coronavirus in February.
Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said last month that millions of vaccines against the coronavirus were likely to reach his country next spring as part of a European deal with drug makers.
Morawiecki said on November 13 that his government has set up a working group with experts from US pharmaceutical firm Pfizer amid efforts to make a COVID-19 vaccine available to Poles as quickly as possible.
(pk)
Source: PAP/MSZ