Poland: Health authorities record highest daily rise of COVID-19 cases and deaths October 28 /update 19

Event

The Polish Ministry of Health announced a record rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and deaths on Wednesday, October 28. The ministry reported that 18,820 new infections and 236 deaths were tallied over the previous 24-hours bringing the total number of cases since the beginning of the pandemic to 299,049 with 4,849 associated fatalities. 

Previously, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced that public gatherings will be curbed for at least two weeks from October 21. The measures prohibit the operation of restaurants and bars, as well as place a ban on public gatherings of more than five people. 

Authorities previously announced that the wearing of face masks in public places has been made mandatory as of October 10, in an effort to further curb the spread of the virus.

Further international spread of the disease is 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). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

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

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, or a rash on the skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

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.