QUITO, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Ecuador's Public Health Ministry on Thursday reported 1,831 new COVID-19 infections and 26 more deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing to 307,429 the number of accumulated cases and 11,528 deaths.

According to the daily report, the provinces of Pichincha, Guayas and Manabi compiled the highest number of cases in the one day.

The three provinces have also recorded the highest mortality figures during the pandemic, which has pushed hospital capacity to the limit.

The South American country has received a total of 293,430 doses for its vaccination plan, which is currently in phase 1 and will benefit 2 million people, including the elderly and strategic sector personnel.