Slovenia on Wednesday reported 1,093 new coronavirus cases registered in the last 24 hours, the largest number in the present wave of the epidemic, and the health authorities again warned that the only way to avoid new restrictions was vaccination against COVID-19.

“I appeal to everyone to show solidarity and responsibility and get vaccinated. It is time for reason and for vaccination,” Health Minister Janez Poklukar said during a visit to one of the hospitals that admit COVID patients.

Of 5,159 PCR tests conducted in the last 24 hours, 1,093 returned positive, with a positivity rate of 21%. Two more COVID patients have died, the Health Ministry said.

The number of new cases has increased by 324 since Tuesday, reaching 1,093, the largest number since 13 April when 1,236 new cases had been registered in a single day.

Currently, 243 COVID patients are hospitalised and 61 of them are in intensive care. Three-quarters of hospitalised COVID patients have not been vaccinated.

The 14-day incidence rate has increased to 372 per 100,000 people, and the share of vaccinated people is still increasing slowly. Currently, 43.7% of the total population have been fully inoculated.