55 new cases of Coronavirus have been found in the last 24 hours, exceeding the highest single-day increase of cases from the beginning of the pandemic.

The new cases were found from a record high number of 2,485 swab tests, with the overall number of swabs now standing at 149,952.

Out of the 55, five are family members of previously known cases, four are contacts of previously reported cases, two are from the Paceville cluster, and one is from the language school cluster.

Authorities said that contact tracing is ongoing.

13 new recoveries were also registered, which means that the number of active cases of Coronavirus in Malta currently stands at 528.

With 55 new cases, it is the highest single day increase in the number of cases of the virus on record - exceeding the previous record by one case.  The previous highest single-day increase was of 54 cases on 9 August, when some 600 less tests were carried out.

Testing has increased after new testing hubs were opened in Qormi and Burmarrad, with the government saying that increased testing is a key part of their strategy pertaining to the pandemic.

Malta has had a total of 1,245 cases of the virus since 7 March, with 708 of those having recovered and 9 passing away.