KUWAIT CITY — Kuwait on Monday reported 703 new COVID-19 cases and five more deaths, raising the tally of infections to 50,644 and the death toll to 373, the health ministry said in a statement.

Of the newly detected cases, 463 are Kuwaiti nationals and 240 are foreigners, according to the ministry.

Currently, 9,270 patients are receiving treatment, including 152 in ICU, the statement added.

The ministry also announced the recovery of 538 more patients, raising the total recoveries in the country to 41,001.

Last week, authorities allowed commercial entities to reopen as part of the governments second phase of lifting measures that were implemented to slow the spread of the deadly virus.

Kuwaitis wearing face masks flooded shopping centers and malls following four months of lockdowns as coronavirus restrictions were eased.

Employees in both the private and public sectors have also been allowed to return to work but with a 30 percent capacity limit for offices.

Strict measures such as limiting crowds inside shops and maintaining social distancing are enforced to ensure the safety of residents and nationals. — Agencies