Of the new cases confirmed on Friday, the most—2,056—were in the central Mazowieckie region, which includes the national capital Warsaw.
Meanwhile, 1,436 new infections were reported in the western province of Wielkopolskie, which is home to the major city of Poznań.
The latest deaths in Poland’s coronavirus outbreak are 81 people with pre-existing medical conditions and 26 others who died directly because of COVID-19, the health ministry said.
On Thursday, Poland confirmed 207 deaths and 12,274 new coronavirus infections nationwide, compared with 151 deaths and 14,480 fresh cases a day earlier.
On January 27, the Polish health ministry reported a record daily rise in coronavirus infections, confirming 57,659 new cases, the most since the pandemic hit the country more than two years ago.
On April 8, 2021, the country reported its highest daily toll of 954 deaths related to the coronavirus.
Poland's first case of coronavirus infection was reported on March 4, 2020.
7,023 in hospitals, 67,107 quarantined
The Polish health ministry announced on Friday morning that 7,023 COVID-19 patients were in hospitals nationwide, 434 of them on ventilators, with a further 67,107 people quarantined for possible coronavirus exposure.
Meanwhile, 5,223,340 people have now recovered from COVID-19 throughout the country, the health ministry also said.
Poland lifted most COVID-19 restrictions at the start of this month after the government said the coronavirus pandemic was easing in the country.
Free COVID-19 shots for Ukrainians
Health Minister Adam Niedzielski announced last month that Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion of their country would be covered by Poland's COVID-19 vaccination programme free of charge.
“It’s an expression of our concern for the welfare of our closest neighbours,” Niedzielski said at the time.
To receive the vaccine, Ukrainian refugees only have to produce an identity document, such as a permanent or temporary ID card or a passport, according to officials.
Medical help for war refugees
Public health officials have declared that all Ukrainian citizens taking refuge in Poland in the wake of Russia's military aggression against their country will be provided with medical assistance "on the same terms as Polish patients."
Poland's National Health Fund (NFZ) will cover the cost of such services from public coffers, they said.
(gs)
Source: IAR, PAP