The number of new COVID-19 cases crept up to 148 on Monday, the highest daily figure in more than a month.

Last week, health authorities warned that Malta could be seeing the beginning of an increase linked to family gatherings over the Christmas period.

The last time the number of daily cases was higher was on November 26 when 152 were recorded. 

Some 2,915 swab tests were carried out in the past 24 hours, with five per cent of those testing positive for the virus. 

However, 111 patients recovered, leaving 1,622 active cases. 

All the new cases are still being investigated. Of Sunday's cases, the ministry said 17 were linked to family members who also tested positive, four were contacts with work colleagues, two were direct contacts with other positive cases and five came from social gatherings.

The number of deaths is 222, with two more deaths announced earlier on Monday.

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