A top Health Ministry official says the government should have ordered stores to close last week to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
Dr. Sharon Alroy-Preis’s comments in a radio interview come after Israel logged nearly 3,000 new cases on Tuesday, a two-month high.
“The data is clear. We are on our way to ‘tightened restraint’ [the government restrictions to close down commercial activity, which fall short of a lockdown]. We should have started last week. Commerce must be shut down. In the markets, airports and other places, the… rules aren’t being kept,” she tells the Kan public broadcaster.
» Wear Masks for Xmas Family Gatherings : WHO Warns Europe of High Risk of Virus Resurgence in Early 2021
1-MIN READ Wear Masks for Xmas Family Gatherings : WHO Warns Europe of High Risk of Virus Resurgence in Early 2021
People wearing face masks walk past the illuminated Norwegian Christmas tree, after its lights were turned on without the usual ceremony to prevent people gathering in London s Trafalgar Square, Thursday, Dec 3, 2020. (Image: AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
The WHO said that while it may feel awkward to wear masks around family members, doing so contributes significantly to ensuring that everyone remains safe and healthy.
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Health Minister Yuli Edelstein says other countries have been asking Israel to help them obtain coronavirus vaccines.
“Countries are contacting us and asking for Israel’s help in obtaining vaccines,” Edelstein tells Army Radio, and not “exotic countries you haven’t heard of either.”
He laments widespread health violations by Israelis who have traveled to Dubai, accusing them of flouting local regulations. Edelstein says the Emiratis, who recently forged diplomatic ties with Israel, are turning a blind eye so as not to cause a rift with Jerusalem.
The health minister also blasts Yisrael Beytenu MK Eli Avidar, who has announced he won’t get vaccinated.
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Defense Minister Benny Gantz is asking Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to convene the so-called coronavirus cabinet as the infection rate climbs.
There’s no immediate response from Netanyahu.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Benny Gantz attend a graduation ceremony for new Air Force pilots at the Hatzerim air base near Beersheba, June 25, 2020. (Ariel Schalit/ Pool/AFP) I m proud to work at The Times of Israel
I’ll tell you the truth: Life here in Israel isn’t always easy. But it s full of beauty and meaning.
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The Health Ministry records another 1,476 virus cases since midnight, with the number of serious COVID-19 cases nearing 400.
It says 2,888 new infections were diagnosed on Tuesday, a two-month high.
Of the 20,255 active cases, 393 are in serious condition, 152 of them on ventilators. Another 168 are in moderate condition, with the rest displaying mild or no symptoms.
The death toll stands at 3,031.
I m proud to work at The Times of Israel
I’ll tell you the truth: Life here in Israel isn’t always easy. But it s full of beauty and meaning.
I m proud to work at The Times of Israel alongside colleagues who pour their hearts into their work day in, day out, to capture the complexity of this extraordinary place.