KABUL, June 23 (Xinhua) -- A total of 1,575 new COVID-19 cases have been registered in Afghanistan over the past 24 hours, taking the patients tally to 109,532 in the country, the Public Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

A man receives a dose of COVID-19 vaccine during a vaccination campaign in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, April 27, 2021. (Photo: Xinhua)

According to a statement released by the ministry, 86 patients died due to the viral disease over the period, taking the number of COVID-19-related deaths to 4,452.

A total of 537 patients have recovered over the past 24 hours, the statement added.

To combat COVID-19, the health ministry has repeatedly urged the Afghans to stay at home or wear mask in crowded places, practice physical distancing and keep personal hygiene.