Poland: Authorities report highest daily increase of COVID-19 cases on August 1 /update 15

Event

The Polish Health Ministry reported the country's largest daily number of confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases on Saturday, August 1. The 658 new cases and five associated deaths bring the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country to 46,346 with 1721 associated deaths. Poland has surpassed its highest daily number of new COVID-19 cases for the third day in a row. Additionally, Silesia mining region in southern Poland reported 200 of the 658 new cases of the virus.

Health Minister Lukasz Szumowski announced that restrictions may be imposed on weddings, which have reportedly become a source of many infections in recent weeks. Currently, Poland allows 150 guests at a wedding.

Further international spread of the virus expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.