"For several weeks, we have been reporting that the COVID-19 wave is building," Dr. Paweł Grzesiowski, the country's Chief Sanitary Inspector, told reporters.
"In Poland, the number of infections has been rising since the end of June, so this is not something that happened yesterday," he added.
"New variants are circulating and this is the main reason for the emergence of another wave of infections," he said at a press conference in the eastern city of Białystok on Monday.
Grzesiowski told the conference that the highest number of infections is expected at the end of September and the first half of October.
He explained that factors such as the return of children to schools on September 1, and students to universities in early October, might influence the "predicted trend of this wave."
An increase in cases could occur two to three weeks after schools reopen, according to Grzesiowski.
Paweł Grzesiowski. Photo: PAP/Bartłomiej Zborowski
He also highlighted a gap in vaccine availability. Currently, there are limited doses of existing COVID-19 vaccines, with no new registrations expected until October, he said.
The European Medicines Agency is processing registrations for new vaccines, but none will be available before October, Grzesiowski told reporters.
The Omicron variant of the coronavirus and its mutated subvariants are currently prevalent in Poland, and these are not influenced by seasonality or weather but by diminishing immunity levels.
The symptoms of the virus primarily affect the upper respiratory tract, causing weakness, fever, and in some cases, stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea.
The disease's progression in 2024 is similar to previous years.
As of last week, around 500 patients were hospitalized with COVID-19 across Poland, a situation Grzesiowski described as manageable compared to the early stages of the pandemic.
Those were predominantly older adults who often had other underlying health conditions.
There have been isolated deaths due to COVID-19 in recent weeks, Grzesiowski said.
He reiterated the importance of voluntary preventive measures such as wearing masks, hand sanitizing, and avoiding contact with sick individuals, particularly in public indoor spaces and healthcare facilities.
However, he advised against mandatory mask wearing, calling it an unnecessary burden that would not enhance patient safety, state news agency PAP reported.
Directors of hospitals with COVID-19 outbreaks have the authority to restrict visits to ensure the safety of patients and medical staff, though they are not to completely ban visits or close wards.
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP