By Joanne Serrieh

DUBAI -- Kuwait recorded 1,065 new coronavirus cases over the past 24 hours, its highest daily toll so far, raising the total to 8,688, according to the health ministry.

A health ministry spokesman said nine people who had tested positive for coronavirus have died due to complications, raising the death toll to 58. Meanwhile, a total of 2,729 people have recovered in the country so far.

Kuwait currently has 5,901 active cases receiving medical care with 114 in the intensive care units.

The government has imposed a total lockdown starting Sunday at 4 p.m. through May 30 to help slow the spread of the virus.

During the curfew, public sector undertakings will work remotely and private sector activities, excluding vital ones, will be suspended, the statement said. All banks will be closed but will continue to provide services electronically.

Essential sectors like health, security, electricity, oil and municipal services, as well as private sector companies providing vital services like maintenance will be exempt from the curfew, Interior Minister Anas Al-Saleh said in a televised news conference last week. -- Al Arabiya English