ALGIERS, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Algeria on Thursday reported 179 new COVID-19 cases, ther lowest daily tally since June 29, bringing the total infections to 50,579, the Algerian Ministry of Health said.

It also announced five new fatalities from the coronavirus, leading the death toll in the North African state to 1,703.

Meanwhile, 116 more patients were discharged from hospitals, bringing the total number of recoveries to 35,544.

Algerian Health Minister Abderrahmane Benbouzid on Thursday ruled out the immediate reopening of Algeria's borders which have been closed for more than six months.

He explained in an interview with local media that some countries with close contacts to Algeria, such as France, are experiencing a new wave of COVID-19 outbreak. He stressed that the objective of the state is to protect the health of Algerian citizens.

Algeria, which reported the first COVID-19 case on Feb. 25, has been resuming economic and commercial activities since June 7 as part of its efforts to return to normal life.

China and Algeria have offered mutual help in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

In early February, Algeria sent medical donations to help China combat the coronavirus. China sent two batches of medical aid to Algeria on March 27 and April 15, respectively.

A Chinese medical team arrived in Algeria on May 14 for a 15-day mission to help fight the coronavirus by sharing China's experience in curbing the spread of the contagious disease. Enditem

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