Israel recorded the biggest daily number of coronavirus cases in months with contagion rate being the highest since the outbreak of the epidemic in the country, said a report published Tuesday.
According to the Coronavirus National Information and Knowledge Center report, 377 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the past 24 hours, the biggest daily increase since April.
With 12,337 virus tests conducted on Monday, the number of confirmed infections represents 2.7% contagion rate, the highest it has ever been in Israel.
As of Tuesday morning, there are 5,075 active coronavirus patients in the country.
In additon, the central city of Bat Yam has emerged as latest coronavirus hotspot, along with the Arab city of Umm al-Fahm in northern Israel.
According to the report, from June 1 until June 21, 117 people tested positive for the pathogen in Bat Yam, bringing the total number of active patients in the city to 137. The contagion rate in the city currently stands at staggering 5%.
The majority of the newly-diagnosed in Bat Yam are under the age of 49 with 14% of the infected are over the age of 70. The population of the city is older than the national average and a massive outbreak could lead to many elderly people becoming infected with the virus.
Bat Yam Mayor Zvika Brot appealed to the National Security Council, urging them to reinstate emergency measures that would once again close down the city's beaches.
"We are working around the clock to bring the city's infection rate down, but we can't do anything if the public doesn't cooperate," said Brot. "I urge everyone to adhere to the Health Ministry's guidelines, and not leave home without face masks," he added.
"We assess the situation twice a day and are currently awaiting the government's decision on the beaches."