BAMAKO, May 17 (Xinhua) -- Mali's health authorities reported on Sunday 25 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of infections to 860 in the country.
According to the Malian Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, 119 samples have been tested in the past 24 hours. Twenty-five samples returned positive, including 19 from Bamako, epicenter of the pandemic in Mali.
Fifteen patients have tested negative, and four deaths have been recorded in the past 24 hours in the country, the ministry said, adding that 1,900 close contacts are being monitored on a daily basis.
So far, the West African country has reported 860 confirmed cases, including 52 deaths and 494 recovery cases, since March 25.
In order to contain the spread of the virus, Malian Prime Minister Boubou Cisse announced last Saturday the extension of the closure of all schools from May 9 to June 2, and the mandatory wearing of masks in all public spaces of the country.
The state of health emergency declared on March 25 in Mali is maintained, while the curfew has been lifted. Enditem
