Epidemiological features and changes in the occurrence of infectious diseases in Poland from 2015 to 2020 in the context of the emerging novel SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic

Introduction. The novel emerging infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a global public health concern. The ongoing pandemic outbreak in Poland makes a great impact on the diagnosis and treatment of other conditions including cancer and non-neoplastic diseases such as other infectious diseases. Research design. This study aimed to analyze trends in morbidity of selected infectious diseases in Poland over the last 6 years and assess the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic on the incidence of other infec-tious diseases from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. Results. No clear trend in the total number of cases of infectious diseases in Poland in the years 2015-2019 was observed. During the period from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020, a total of 1 273 155 SARS-CoV-2 infec-tions were recorded in Poland;they represented the second most common disease entity in the analyzed period (after flu and suspected flu). At the same time, there was a decrease in morbidity for almost all disease entities for which at least one case had been reported in 2019. The mean hospitalization rate for COVID-19 amounted to 250.2 cases per 100 000 inhabitants.Conclusions. The lack of a clear trend in data for the years 2015-2019 makes it difficult to measure the impact of COVID-19 disease on the occurrence of other infectious diseases in Poland. The latest data indicate a significant reduction in the number of cases reported in 2020 vs. 2019. The question remains, whether this reduction results from limitations in interpersonal contacts forced by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, or is it a matter of underreporting of other diseases.

An influence of social isolation on the level of physical activity as well as on well-being and mental state of people during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction. The COVID-19 is the name of an infectious disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2). It was first diagnosed in December 2019 in patients in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The symptoms are dominated by features of respiratory tract infections, in some patients with a very severe course leading to respiratory failure and, in extreme cases to death. Due to the spread of the infection worldwide, the WHO declared a pandemic in March 2020. Aim. An investigation of the impact of social isolation introduced due to the coronavirus pandemic on selected aspects of life. The researchers focused on observing changes in habits related to physical activity and their connections with people's subjective well-being and emotional state. Material and methods. The study was carried out within the international project of the group "IRG on COVID and exercise". The research tool was a standardized questionnaire. Results. Based on the data collected and the analysis of the percentage results, it can be observed that the overwhelming majority of people taking up physical activity reported a better mood during the pandemic. However, statistical tests do not confirm these relationships due to the small sample size. Conclusions. Isolation favours physical activity. Future, indepth studies, by enlarging the population group, are necessary to confirm the above observations.