According to Health Ministry data released Friday, of the 78,266 people who tested for the virus, Thursday, 7,083 people were found to be carrying the coronavirus, for an infection rate of 9.3%.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
As of Friday morning there were 73,543 active cases in Israel, with 1,199 patients listed in serious condition. Of those in serious condition, 328 were on ventilators. Since the outset of the pandemic, 4,696 Israelis have died of COVID-19.
A report by the IDF's Military Intelligence Directorate finds it is too early to say whether Israel is experiencing a downturn in morbidity. The reproduction rate has remained below 1, indicating what should be a decrease in morbidity, yet the trend has stopped in recent days.
The rate of infection continues to be high, and hospitals remain overwhelmed. The report further notes that over a quarter of those who died from COVID-19 passed away in January 2021, with 669 people dying of the virus between Jan. 17-28 alone.
According to the directorate, the widespread distribution of the UK variant was likely responsible for morbidity rates remaining stable. Adherence to coronavirus guidelines of social distancing and mask wearing remain a priority, and special attention should be given to children, the report's authors said.
Until the degree of risk posed by the various variants is known, drastic preventative measures must be taken to prevent their spread, including ramping up the vaccination campaign and ensuring a cautious exit from the lockdown. The introduction of additional variants must also be prevented by keeping Ben-Gurion Airport closed, according to the report.
With 5.4 million doses administered, the report noted Israel continues to lead the world in the number of vaccines administered per capita. Yet the authors found fault with the campaign to inoculate individuals aged between 60 and 69, which has come to a standstill as 20% of the age group has not been vaccinated.
Arguing for an extension of Israel's third lockdown, Friday, Health Minister Yuli Edelstein said, "The vaccine data is excellent, as we can see. But something dangerous could happen here Sunday at midnight. Due to political games, the lockdown will end, the restrictions will be lifted in their entirety and anarchy will reign. This will make the State of Israel an out-of-control coronavirus incubator."
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
