Lebanon sees highest single-day jump in coronavirus cases

A man wearing a face mask walks past displayed clothing for sale, ahead of the upcoming holiday of Eid al-Fitr marking the end of Ramadan, amid concerns over the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Sidon, southern Lebanon May 21, 2020. REUTERS/Aziz Taher

Lebanon's Health Ministry reported 63 new cases of the coronavirus on Thursday, the largest single-day increase since the outbreak of the pandemic.

Lebanon has seen an increase in cases in recent weeks after it began easing lockdown measures as part of a gradual re-opening of its crisis-hit economy. Many of the new cases are the result of Lebanese expatriates returning home, Information Minister Manal Abdel Samad.

The country of about 6 million has recorded 1,024 cases and 26 deaths, according to the Health Ministry.

A woman wearing a face mask walks past toys for sale, ahead of the upcoming holiday of Eid al-Fitr marking the end of Ramadan, amid concerns over the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Sidon, southern Lebanon May 21, 2020. REUTERS/Aziz Taher

Abdel Samad said that lockdown restrictions would remain in place until at least June 7 as part of the gradual re-opening of the economy.

(Reporting by Eric Knecht; Editing by Alison Williams)

FILE PHOTO: A woman shops at a crowded souk as Lebanon's government ordered most of the country to shut down again for four days, starting on Wednesday night, to ward off a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) resurgence after easing some restrictions, in Sabra, Beirut suburbs, Lebanon May 13, 2020. REUTERS/Aziz Taher