KUWAIT CITY — A total of 829 new cases of the coronavirus were reported in Kuwait during the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 96,301, the ministry of health said on Tuesday.

Five people died of COVID-19, which raises the total number of virus-related deaths to 568, according to the ministry.

Meanwhile, the total number of recoveries in Kuwait climbed to 86,219 after 718 people recovered from the coronavirus.

On Aug. 30, the Kuwaiti government lifted a nationwide partial curfew, while activities, including celebrations, parties, weddings, gatherings, banquets and funerals, remain restricted to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

On Aug. 18, Kuwait moved into the fourth phase of its five-phase plan to return to normal life, during which, salons, gyms, barbershops, and spas reopened and restaurants can offer more services.

The Gulf country has delayed phase five of its reopening plans “until further notice,” the Center for Government Communication (GCG) announced on Twitter amid a continuous increase in coronavirus cases.

If implemented, this last phase would have allowed all activities, including family gatherings and weddings, to return to normal. Gyms and cinemas would also be allowed to reopen under this last phase of the government’s plan. — Agencies