Israel sees highest daily spike in virus infections

JERUSALEM

Israel recorded 6,861 more coronavirus cases over the past 24 hours, its highest single-day figure since February, the Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

As many as 24 new coronavirus-related fatalities have raised the nationwide death toll to 1,309, the ministry said in a statement.

The total number of cases now rose to 200,235, including 144,394 recoveries, the ministry added.

According to the ministry, 631 patients are in critical condition.

Israel returned to a total coronavirus lockdown on Friday that will last for three weeks in an attempt to stem the spread of the virus.

* Writing by Zehra Nur Duz from Ankara