The Ministry of Health (MZ) reported that 2,505 coronavirus infections were found on 28 November, including 1,762 new infections and 743 re-infections. Five people died, compared to six patients the day before. No person died solely due to COVID-19, all 5 patients had co-morbidities.
The highest number of infections was recorded in the Mazowieckie voivodeship – 429 cases, the Śląskie voivodeship – 253 and the Wielkopolskie voivodeship – 244. The lowest number was in the Lubuskie voivodeship – 58, the Świętokrzyskie voivodeship – 79 and the Opolskie voivodeship – 81.
According to experts, the actual number of infections may be many times higher than officially reported. “Many of us do not want to get tested, because a positive result would limit our activity and spoil our mood”, says Dr Kuchar, a member of the Polish National Institute of Public Health.
Despite the increasing number of infections, the Ministry is not planning to introduce an obligation to wear protective masks in outpatient clinics, hospitals and other health care facilities for the time being. “With the current number of infections, there are no such plans. At present, the provisions of no law or regulation impose an obligation to wear masks”, assures the Ministry of Health.
Restrictions related to coronavirus including total suspension or restriction of visiting hours in wards are being introduced by hospitals in, among others, the Wielkopolskie, Małopolskie and Zachodniopomorskie voivodships. Planned patient admissions have been suspended at the Clinical Hospital No. 2 in Szczecin.
From 6 December, the latest vaccine tailored to the XBB (Kraken) virus variant will be available in Poland. The vaccination will be free of charge and available to all willing patients and can be administered at vaccination centres – clinics as well as pharmacies.
According to data from 28 November, 22 649 422 people in Poland have been fully vaccinated. 15 201 698 booster doses were administered. 18 611 adverse post-vaccination reactions were reported.
Arkadiusz Słomczyński