(File photo: AFP)

The Polish Ministry of Health reported a record high of 10,040 new cases on Wednesday, with 130 deaths. The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country has risen to about 202,000, while 3,851 people have died since the start of the pandemic.Most new infections were registered in the southern province of Lesser Poland, where the country's second largest city Krakow is located.

In order to ease the burden on the health system, the Polish government is building a temporary hospital with 500 beds, and a possible expansion to 1,000, in the National Stadium.

The same day, Latvia imposed a 2-week social distancing order in 12 cities starting next Monday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has asked relevant agencies to provide a COVID-19 vaccination nationwide as soon as possible.