Poland sees record rise in new cases ahead of nationwide 'red zone' restrictions
Poland confirmed 13,632 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, the country's highest figure since the pandemic began.
An additional 153 deaths from COVID-19 were also registered nationwide, down from a peak of 168 a day earlier. The cumulative total now stands at 228,318 cases and 4,172 deaths, according to the Polish Ministry of Health.
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki announced that, starting Saturday, the entire nation of 38 million people will be placed in a "red zone" of strict measures aimed at curbing further spread of the novel coronavirus, just short of a lockdown. The measures include wearing masks at all times outdoors, switching all primary schools to remote learning and the closure of restaurants except for takeaway and delivery services.
"We absolutely must cut the means of transmission of infection," Morawiecki said.