MOGADISHU, Somalia - Somali health ministry said the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country has increased to 2,146 after 57 new cases were confirmed on Wednesday.

Fawziya Abikar, the health minister, said the majority of the cases were recorded in Banadir which has 34 cases, Somaliland with 18 and Jubaland 5.

Abikar said 26 patients recovered from the respiratory disease, bringing the total number of people who have been discharged from hospitals to 406.

No death was recorded in the last 24 hours as the total number of fatalities remains at 79.

Abikar said 30 of the latest cases are male while 27 others are female.

The Horn of African nation has instituted measures to contain the possible spread of COVID-19 including closing schools, banning large gatherings, and suspending international and domestic passenger flights.