BEIRUT: Lebanon registered 5,872 new coronavirus cases Saturday, and 41 further deaths with hospitals around the country filling up as the impact of the virus' uncontrollable spread surfaces.

Among the newly recorded cases, only 11 were detected among incoming travelers arriving in Lebanon, according to the Health Ministry report, with the total number of cases since the virus was detected in late February rising to 249,158.

Lebanon recorded unusually high deaths this week, with a record-breaking 44 deaths Friday. The total number of fatalities from coronavirus-related complications now stands at 1,866.

A total of 21,135 tests have been administered in the last 24 hours. The positivity rate of the tests in the last two weeks stood at 19.2 percent.

The Health Ministry said 1,980 patients were in hospital for COVID-19, with 715 in ICUs and 209 on mechanical ventilation.

Lebanon is in its third day under a stringent lockdown with a full-day curfew in place that is subject to an extension, authorities have said.

The nationwide shutdown is set to last until Jan. 25. Medical experts recommend to lock down the country for at least three weeks to curb this type of spread that is seemingly uncontrollable.

The Internal Security Forces said they issued 2,005 fines since Thursday, for those who violated lockdown measures.

Meanwhile hospitals around the country continue to struggle with the battle against the vicious virus. At the American University Beirut Medical Center, hospital beds filled hallways, even the cafeteria. Other hospitals around the country, both private and public have also reached their maximum intake capacity as cases continue to rise.

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