QUITO, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Ecuador on Monday reported 520 new cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection and 12 more deaths from the disease in the previous 24 hours, raising the total caseload to 108,289 and the death toll to 6,322.

The Ministry of Public Health said infections were still on the rise in the north-central province of Pichincha, the current epicenter of the national outbreak, which has 22,501 infections.

Most of the cases in this province have been reported in the capital city of Quito, which on Monday registered 20,354 cases. Quito's outbreak rebounded after lockdown measures were relaxed on June 3 to reactivate economic activity, according to health authorities.

Ecuador on June 1 entered a process of gradual reopening to reactivate the economy, but the loosening of restrictions has been met with failure to follow preventive health measures, leading to new outbreaks in some cities.

This month, tourism resumed on several fronts following the government's decision to open beaches and some attractions, such as national parks and ecological reserves.

Border crossings remain closed, and in-person classes suspended, although the government plans to launch a pilot program for a return to school starting Sept. 1. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)