Uganda’s cumulative number of coronavirus cases went past the 17,000 mark on Thursday after the Ministry of Health reported 243 new confirmed cases raising the figure to 17,148.

All of the new cases were reported from contacts and alerts with the capital, Kampala, registering the highest number of cases with 187, followed by Wakiso (14) and Masaka (10).

The ministry also reported one new COVID-19 death registered in Iganga taking the total number of COVID-19 deaths to 158.

32 more recoveries by patients also saw the total number of recoveries rise to 8,426.

Uganda has reported at least 180 new confirmed coronavirus cases every day for the last seven days. Despite recording a steady increase in cases in the last few weeks, the ministry recently announced an easing of restrictions designed to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

The restrictions saw an increase in the number of people allowed to attend mass gatherings for prayers, political rallies, meetings and weddings, and the reopening of cinemas, gyms, massage parlors and mobile markets.

Casinos and gaming outlets were also be allowed to resume operations while bars and discotheques remained closed.