Slovenia has confirmed 745 new coronavirus cases and one related death in the last 24 hours, the country's authorities reported on Thursday.

The total number of cases since the start of the outbreak in early March has increased to 10,683, and 4,818 are currently active, the Slovenian Health Ministry said.

This was the second day in a row to see more than 700 new infections, following Wednesday’s record of 707.

According to the latest information, 221 infected people are hospitalised, of whom 40 are in intensive care. The death toll now stands at 176. The number of infected persons since the start of the epidemic has for the first time surpassed 10,000.

New restrictions take effect on Friday. A partial lockdown will be in force in those regions where the number of infected persons per 100,000 has surpassed 140 in the last 14 days. The measures include a ban on travel outside the region, mandatory wearing of masks outdoors, and a ban on gathering of more than ten people in one place. All hospitality establishments and fitness centres in those regions will be closed.