ADDIS ABABA, Dec. 29 (Xinhua) -- The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Eritrea has risen to 1,220 after the Red Sea nation recorded 181 new cases of COVID-19 within a 24-hour period, the Eritrea Ministry of Health reported on Tuesday. This is so far the highest daily increase in the country. "Some 181 patients have been diagnosed positive for COVID-19 in tests carried out today at Quarantine Centers in 12 different locations across the country," said a statement from the MoH. "The total number of confirmed cases in the country to-date has accordingly risen to 1,220," said the statement. The ministry said 20 patients, who were receiving medical treatment for COVID-19, have fully recovered, pushing the total number of recovered patients to 643.