The number of COVID-19 deaths and new cases continued to rise in the West Bank and Gaza Strip on Monday, prompting Health Minister Mai al-Kaila to warn of a fourth wave of the pandemic across the Palestinian Territories.

“I invite you, time and time again, to respect social distancing and to wear face masks, especially in closed places,” the minister said during a weekly cabinet meeting.

Al-Kaila said 2,742 new infections and 17 deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours. According to the minister, 1,406 new cases and seven deaths were recorded in the West Bank while 786 people have recovered.

Also, 1,336 new cases, 10 deaths and 654 recoveries were registered in the Gaza Strip.

Almost 1,134,275 people have been vaccinated in the West Bank and Gaza, including 473,391 people who received both doses.