Coronavirus: Polish police use tear gas as thousands protest against COVID-19 restrictions

Polish President Andrzej Duda has tested positive for coronavirus, authorities said on Saturday, as thousands of people protested in Warsaw against restrictions aimed at curbing the surging epidemic.

Duda's infection was announced in the morning and he said in televised remarks later he was feeling fine.

Poland is seeing a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases, with new infections hitting a daily record of 13,632 on Friday. New restrictions went into force on Saturday.

Protesters gathered without face masks, saying curbs are not needed and holding up banners saying "Let us work, and let us decide on our own."
Police responded with force, including tear gas, on several occasions. Protests are banned in light of the pandemic, Warsaw police spokesman Sylwester Marczak said, adding some in the crowd were aggressive at times.

The ruling nationalists have faced criticism in recent days from the opposition who say that the country is not prepared enough for the second coronavirus wave. Recent opinion polls have shown a drop in support for both PiS and Duda.

The Health Ministry reported 179 coronavirus-related deaths on Saturday, taking the total toll to 4,351. The country recorded 13,628 new cases on Saturday, with a total of infections approaching 242,000.

MORE: https://globalnews.ca/news/7418933/polish-president-positive-coronavirus/

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