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Poland's COVID-19 cases rise to 2,633, deaths up to 45: health ministry

02.04.2020 11:20
A total of 2,633 people have tested positive for the COVID-19 disease in Poland, with 45 deaths from the coronavirus so far, officials said on Thursday morning.
Photo:
Photo:PAP/Tytus Żmijewski

The number of new virus cases rose by 79 from the previous day, while the death toll increased by two, according to public health authorities.

The latest deaths in Poland’s coronavirus outbreak are a 59-year-old man in the southern town of Tychy and an 88-year-old woman in the southeastern town of Łańcut, the Polish health ministry said in a tweet.

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

On Wednesday, the health ministry reported 10 deaths throughout the day and 243 new coronavirus infections nationwide, compared with two deaths and 256 new cases a day earlier.

The Polish health ministry announced on Thursday morning that 2,317 people with suspected coronavirus infection were in hospitals nationwide, with a further 183,095 quarantined, and 48,039 under epidemiological supervision.

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 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. The government is chartering special flights to help Poles abroad return home.

In another move to contain the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic, the government has limited the operations of shopping malls and closed all pubs, clubs and entertainment venues.

Public gatherings of more than two people have been banned.

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

An initial two-week closure of the country’s schools has been extended until Easter.

The government on Tuesday announced tough new restrictions on daily life, banning children under 18 from leaving home unless supervised by an adult, closing parks and beaches, and ordering most hotels to shut. 

(gs/pk)

Source: IAR, PAP