Israel's death toll from coronavirus has hit 193 after two more patients succumbed, the Health Ministry reported Friday.
The number of Israelis given a clean bill of health after fighting the virus rose to 5,685 on Friday, over 300 more than on Thursday.
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However, the number of serious cases also rose. As of Friday, 139 corona patients were listed in serious condition, although the number of patients on ventilators remained stable at 107. Since Thursday, the number of patients in moderate conditions dropped from 112 to 101, a decline of almost 10%.
Another 8,764 patients were on the rolls as having light or minor cases of the virus.
A total of 421 corona patients were still hospitalized as of Friday morning, with another 2,501 in hotels and 6,102 at home.
Because of the encouraging numbers, the Health Ministry is considering the possibility of allowing hospitals and clinics to resume non-vital medical procedures, which were canceled due to the corona outbreak. On Thursday, Israel Hayom reported that the Health Ministry planned to inform all hospitals and HMO clinics in Israel that they would be allowed to provide non-lifesaving treatments, exams, and operations starting May 3. In addition, the ministry intends to allow all dental treatments and consultations in HMO clinics.
A draft document obtained by Israel Hayom indicates that the first stage of the plan will reinstate up to 60% of non-urgent surgeries.
"Medical institutions must continue to brief and prepare all medical staff to treat corona patients, in preparation for the waves of we expect in the future. If the epidemic gets worse or changes – either at a regional or national level – new restrictions will be placed on medical activity," the document stated.
The document, signed by Dr. Vered Ezra, head of the medical division of the Health Ministry, has been submitted to the directors of all hospitals in Israel for review.
Ezra noted that "the plan is based on the health care system, all parts of it, having the ability to respond quickly to extreme situations, such as a spread of or a new outbreak of coronavirus, and reduce all activity rapidly to free up medical staff, infrastructure, and hospitals beds for the treatment of corona patients."
