Egypt has called off all New Years celebrations in order to stem rising coronavirus cases in the country, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli said Wednesday. "There will be no New Years celebrations or gatherings as part of the precautionary measures taken to confront the coronavirus," the premier said in a statement released after a cabinet meeting. Egypts daily novel coronavirus caseload has been increasing steadily in recent weeks. The country has officially recorded more than 127,000 cases, including over 7,100 deaths. Health and Population Minister Hala Zayed told Wednesdays cabinet meeting that 364 hospitals nationwide, with a capacity of 5,000 "care beds" and equipped with 2,400 respirators, would be ready to receive critically ill Covid-19 patients when needed, according to the statement. Egypt reported Monday another record number of new coronavirus cases, adding 718 infections. The Health Ministry also said that there were 32 new fatalities. Egypt has reported at least 126,273 cases overall, including 7,130 deaths. The spike in new cases comes amid repeated warnings by the government about a second wave of the virus. Authorities have been urging people to adhere to preventive measures, especially by wearing face masks and practicing social distancing.