The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Poland is increasing, with 1,642 cases recorded on 7 November. According to the Chief Sanitary Inspector Krzysztof Saczka, there is a major mutation, omicron, but no severe courses of the disease are being reported.

There are no surges in the number of people requiring hospitalisation, but nevertheless, during the current viral season, it is important to apply rules that protect us from infection.

“Such basic things as distance, disinfection and masks will not protect us 100 per cent, but they will allow us to reduce the risk of infection,” reminded the head of the General Sanitary Inspectorate (GIS).

Saczka stressed that in the event of falling ill, one should immediately go to a doctor and under no circumstances go to work, as there is a considerable risk of infecting our co-workers. He added that if you test positive, you should also refrain from sending your children to schools or kindergartens, as well as from visiting the elderly, who may have a weaker immune system.

“In the epidemiological surveillance in the Sentinel programme, we try to study what we are dealing with. If we talk about viruses that cause different types of respiratory infections, there are more than 200 of them. We focus on covid, influenza types A and B, RSV possibly adenovirus”, said the head of the GIS.

Saczka reminded that during the sickness season, large concentrations of people should be avoided, where the virus spreads easily. He added that despite the inclement weather, one should remember to ventilate rooms and open windows. He also reminded that an effective way to protect yourself is through vaccination.

“Vaccination is in fact the only antidote that effectively protects us against the severe course of the disease”, said the head of the GIS. He added that vaccines are available all the time, and a few days ago the latest version of the vaccine was approved, and it will soon reach Poland.

Arkadiusz Słomczyński