(JNS) The number of active coronavirus cases in Israel passed 31,000 on Wednesday, the highest figure recorded since the onset of the pandemic in March and a one-week increase of 10,000 cases, according to the Israeli Health Ministry.

To date, there have been 54,663 confirmed cases in total, while 430 have died of the virus. There are 259 patients currently listed as being in serious condition, 82 of whom are on ventilators.

The ministry also announced that it was changing quarantine guidelines.

While those exposed to known carriers and those returning from overseas will still need to self-isolate for 14 days, asymptomatic patients will now be able to exit quarantine 10 days after their positive diagnosis.

Symptomatic patients will be required to self-isolate for 10 days from the date of onset of symptoms or the date of diagnosis, followed by at least three days of no symptoms.

In all cases, a doctor must confirm the patients no longer have the virus before they are able to exit quarantine, however, a second COVID-19 test will not be required.