Algerian women wearing protective masks are pictured in front of El-Kettar hospital's special unit to treat cases of novel coronavirus in the capital Algiers on February 26, 2020. /AFP

Algerian women wearing protective masks are pictured in front of El-Kettar hospital's special unit to treat cases of novel coronavirus in the capital Algiers on February 26, 2020. /AFP

Algerian Health Ministry on Sunday confirmed the death of a fourth patient infected with COVID-19.

The ministry said in a statement that this 4rd death, a 84 year-old woman, was recorded on Sunday in Frantz Fanon Hospital in Blida province, 50 km south-eastern Algiers.

The source further added that the total number of confirmed infected cases hit 48 after the health authorities have detected more new infected cases.

The statement said that the epidemiological investigation is still underway to find out and identify all people who were in contact with these infected patients.

It urged Algerians to postpone their travel abroad if possible, and called on Algerian nationals abroad to postpone their visits to Algeria.

The Health Ministry noted that vigilance system remains valid and medical teams are mobilized at maximum level to counter the coronavirus pandemic.