Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health announced on Tuesday that 1,608 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of infections to 513,006.

The ministry said 1,602 infections were reported locally while six other cases were among travelers coming to Lebanon.

“36 new fatalities were also registered, bringing the total number of deaths to 6,995,” it added.

Battling a spike in COVID-19 cases which has overwhelmed its healthcare system, Lebanon has started its vaccination drive by inoculating frontline healthcare workers and 75-years-and-older citizens as per a plan adopted by the Lebanese government.