The Health Ministry reported Sunday morning a further increase in the coronavirus infection rate as well as a rise in the number of patients in serious condition.
The ministry said that on Saturday 19,072 tests had been conducted, with 1,148 people testing positive for COVID-19, placing the contagion rate at a staggering 6%.
The number of active patients in the country now stands at 18,940, while the number of confirmed diagnoses since the start of the epidemic is now nearing 40,000 with 38,213 cases.
The number of patients in a serious condition has spiked to 141, with 48 people being ventilated. The death toll from coronavirus-related complications has gone up to 358.
The ministry added that since midnight Sunday, 198 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Israel.
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A neighborhood in Jerusalem, which has been placed in lockdown
(Photo: Yoav Dudkevitch )
The Coronavirus National Information and Knowledge Center, which is part of the IDF's intelligence division, said there are currently six new virus hotspots in the country, which require immediate attention and "unique treatment".
The hotspots are Lod, Ramla, Jerusalem, Kiryat Malachi, Beit Shemesh and Beitar Illit.
The center added that in Bnei Brak and the Bedouin town of Kuseife, a better awareness campaign about the virus is needed, along with more testing and enforcement of regulations. In Kiryat Ata, Baqa al-Gharbiya and Tel Aviv, additional tests must be performed as soon as possible.