Some 4,949 Israelis tested positive for the coronavirus on Tuesday, bringing the country's overall tally to 239,222 cases, the Health Ministry said, adding the on average, 15% of those screened for the virus test positive.
So far, COVID-19 has claimed the lives of 1,528 patients, while 173,085 have recovered from it.
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Health Ministry Director Professor Hezi Levy has instructed hospital administrators to ready an additional 1,500 beds for patients.
Several hospitals warned last week that their corona wards were nearing full capacity, saying that more beds were necessary to ensure patients received adequate care.
The Health Ministry plans to open 750 beds by Oct. 5 and another 750 by middle of next month. He said that 80% of the beds will be for patients in critical condition and the remaining 20% for patients who do not need respiratory support.
Speaking with Channel 12 News, he urged Israelis not to avoid receiving medical care over the pandemic, saying hospitals nationwide were fully equipped to treat all patients, especially in life-threatening situations, such as heart attacks and strokes.
Also on Tuesday, Sephardi Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef issued a decree barring mass gatherings during the Sukkot and Simchat Torah holidays next week.
In a dramatic departure from custom over the pandemic, Yosef has barred the traditional Simchat Torah hakafot (laps), and ordered followers not to attend the Priestly Blessing – a rite held annually by the Western Wall, witch usually draws tens of thousands form Israel and aboard.
As the service is broadcast by various media outlets, Yosef has decreed that this year, worshippers could suffice with watching the televised prayer service.
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