ALGIERS, Algeria 

Algeria has announced it will extend the lockdown imposed in 48 provinces until May 14 to mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus, according to the country’s prime minister.

The Algerian government has decided to extend COVID-19 measures taken as part of the lockdown for an additional 15 days, Prime Minister Abdelaziz Djerad said in a written statement late Monday.

The lockdown measures, including suspension of education and all kinds of political, economic and cultural activities, were initially due to end on April 29.

The number of cases in the country rose to 3,517 as 135 more people tested positive, Algerian authorities said Monday.

The death toll in Algeria climbed to 432 with seven more fatalities, while 1,558 people have recovered so far.

After first appearing in Wuhan, China in December, the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 has spread to at least 185 countries and regions.

Data compiled by U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University shows worldwide infections surpassing 3.04 million with more than 211,200 deaths. Over 894,500 have recovered.

* Writing by Zehra Nur Duz in Ankara.