The state of New York saw its largest single-day spike in COVID19 deaths yesterday with an all-time high of 731. Despite the grim milestone, the rate of new hospitalizations appears to be slowing in New York and other states, keeping hopes alive that the pandemic may be reaching its peak.
Poland also saw a spike in deaths yesterday (22) with 435 new cases confirmed and an additional 152 new cases and 7 deaths announced this morning. Since yesterday, 17 new cases have been diagnosed in Pomerania, bringing the total confirmed cases here to 142 and the nationwide total to 5000 as of 11:30 this morning.
Boris Johnson in Stable Condition
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson spent a second night in intensive care at St. Thomas’ hospital after being admitted Monday evening. According to the BBC, Johnson is being given oxygen support but is not on a ventilator; his condition remains stable and he is reportedly “in good spirits.”
Polish government announces additional anti-crisis economic measures
In an effort to offset the economic impacts of the crisis, the Polish government unveiled additional economic stimulus proposals yesterday worth over PLN 11 billion (EUR 2.43 billion). The new measures are aimed at protecting jobs and will complement the massive relief and stimulus plan signed into law last month.
The new measures would reportedly provide additional financial support to farmers under quarantine and allow companies with 10-49 employees to reduce their social security contributions by 50 percent.
According to Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, the additional measures bring the total value of the Tarcza Antykryzysowa package to PLN 212 billion (EUR 47 billion), an amount equivalent to around 10 percent of Poland’s GDP.
Lot do Domu ends after bringing over 55,000 Poles home
“Lot do Domu (Flight Home),” the historic collaboration between the Polish government and LOT airlines, came to an end on Sunday after helping over 55,000 Poles return home as national borders closed due to the growing pandemic.
A total of 388 government-chartered flights brought Poles back from over 70 airports around the world, including flights from Cuba, Argentina, Australia, Thailand, China, and Sri Lanka. According to Deputy Foreign Minister Szymon Szynkowski vel Sęk, such flights were often the only way for Poles to return home after scheduled connections were disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Among those assisted with coming home was Polish actress and pop singer Edyta Górniak, who had been living in the United States before the pandemic broke out. In a post on Instagram, she thanked the Polish government and LOT airlines for making it possible for her to return to Poland to be closer to her son and her native country.
According to officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, “Lot do Domu” is now being transitioned into “Cargo for Poland,” part of the highly-touted “air bridge” which will bring essential materials and equipment to Poland from China.
Medical supplies worth PLN 1 million arrive in Pomerania
As part of the “air bridge” flight from China that arrived in Warsaw last week, the voivodeship of Pomerania recently received three tons of essential medical supplies, including much-needed masks, gowns, and medical goggles.
This is the first transport of protective clothing (PPE) from China to arrive in Pomerania and was a gift of the Chinese-Polish Joint Stock Shipping Company (Chipolbrok) to the Ministry of Maritime Economy and Inland Navigation.
The supplies will be distributed to various hospitals in the region, many of whom have expressed concern that they are running low on PPE and have reserves to cover a period of only two weeks. The head of the Pomeranian voivodeship, Dariusz Drelich, has stated he is aware of the matter and is taking appropriate action.
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Weather
It’s set to be another gorgeous day today with the forecast calling for sunny and warm weather with almost no chance of rain and a gentle breeze coming in from the south. Temperatures will peak around a high of 17°C (63°F) during the day and stay mild overnight with an average temperature of 8°C (50°F). Tomorrow is set to be a bit cooler but the sun should stick around on into the weekend.
