QUITO, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Ecuador's Ministry of Public Health on Tuesday reported 519 new COVID-19 cases and 46 deaths in one day, bringing the cumulative numbers to 347,589 cases and 12,421 deaths.

The ministry also reported another seven "probable deaths" from the disease, for a total of 4,930.

Quito, the most populated city and epicenter of the pandemic in Ecuador, is facing a new wave of cases that has caused the collapse of its hospital system.

Jorge Yunda, mayor of Quito, asked the government last week to declare a state of emergency for 15 days in the city in view of the alarming health situation, a measure that will make it possible to tighten restrictions.

Ecuador is facing a rebound of infections, at a time when the national vaccination plan against COVID-19 is advancing according to the international supply of vaccines.

As of Saturday, 274,160 people had received their first dose of the vaccine and 183,300 the second, according to the Health Ministry.