The Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Protection on March 3 reported 24 deaths associated with COVID-19 and 1,550 new cases of infection, up to 189,397. Health officials anticipate the number of infections will continue to rise until the end of March and the pressure on the system will be even greater, IPN reports.

Tatiana Zatyk, secretary of state at the Ministry of Health, said that 4,548 tests were done on March 3. A number of 76 health workers were diagnosed with COVID-19 today, taking the total number of infected health system employees to 16,891.

Of the 322 patients with COVID-19 that are in a serious state, 56 were put on a ventilator. Tatiana Zatyk said the number of persons who lose the battle with COVID-19 remains high and this is sad. Curing takes longer and the cases worsen.

“The data for the eighth week, compared with the seventh week of this year, shows the number of infections grew by 32.5%, the number of deaths rose by 31%, while of cured persons declined by 4.1%. The trends the past week have been upward and the situation is alarming,” explained the official.

A record number of 10,206 persons with light and moderate forms of COVID-19 are receiving treatment at home, while 17,155 are under supervision at home.