Egypt reported 141 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, bringing the total infection tally to 101,641 since the outbreak hit the country in mid-February.

The ministry also reported 19 new deaths, bringing the total fatalities from the virus to 5,715, the health ministry announced.

The ministry said that 609 patients were discharged from hospitals over the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of recoveries to 87,158.

Though the number of new coronavirus cases has been hovering around 150 a day nationwide since August, the government repeatedly urged caution to avoid a second wave of the pandemic, particularly with the advent of autumn and the beginning of the new academic year.

Egypt began the move towards a gradual reopening of the economy in June, lifting the night-time curfew, reopening restaurants and places of worship, and resuming regular international flights as part of its plans to coexist with the virus.

On Monday, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced a further easing of restrictions. From 21 September open-air funerals, wedding ceremonies, film festivals and conferences will be allowed.

The cabinet has warned, however, that restrictions will be reimposed should infection rates rise.