In the past 24 hours 1,504 coronavirus cases have been confirmed via PCR and antigen tests in Slovenia and 39 COVID-19 patients have died, the government reported on Tuesday.

In said period 5,765 PCR tests have been done, with 25.58 percent coming back positive. Together with performed antigen tests, 7,416 total tests were done, with 20.2 percent coming back positive. 

Currently, 1,261 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, including 207 in intensive care. Today there have been 134 hospitalisations, said Kacin.

Voluntary and free antigen testing began today in 13 towns with a higher incidence of the virus and interest among the public is high. Such testing will be done in the next few days. The goal is to trace as many asymptomatic cases as possible and slow down the infection.

At the end of last week, the government lifted some restrictions until tomorrow, after which clothing and shoe shops as well as hairdressing and similar salons will be closed again

Over the two Christmas days, two families are allowed to socialise at most. This will apply to New Year’s as well unless the epidemiological situation deteriorates. During the holidays, people can cross municipal and regional borders but a curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. remains in place.