Meanwhile, ahead of a cabinet meeting to discuss another lockdown extension, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the economy will gradually begin reopening next week but in a "cautious" manner.
Data shows that while the infection rate among the general public stands at 9.2%, in the ultra-Orthodox sector it's 20%, and in the Arab sector 12.1%. But while 84.9% of the general public is vaccinated, only 66% of the Haredim and 60% of Arab Israelis have chosen to be immunized.
Cabinet to discuss a further potential extension of lockdown measures on Wednesday, but Coronavirus Commissioner Prof. Nachman Ash says he is not sure that would help. In first, Israeli who recovered from COVID-19 contracts South African mutation.
Airport to remain shuttered for another week, as well. Fines for violating lockdown directives increased, can reach $3,000. “We must extend the lockdown by a week and not politicize it. Human lives are at stake," PM says.
A 2-month-old infant succumbs to coronavirus in Jerusalem. Senior Health Ministry official: Students in green cities to return to in-person learning next week.
Since the outbreak of the pandemic, 4,696 Israelis have died from the coronavirus. Health minister warns without lockdown extension, Israel to become "out-of-control coronavirus incubator."
Infection rates continue to soar despite the success of the national vaccination drive. Cabinet extends lockdown by several days but struggles to pass a bill to increase fines imposed on those flouting corona regulations.
About 17% of survivors who contracted coronavirus died, similar to the mortality rate in the general population of the same age.
Health Minister Yuli Edelstein said that morbidity rates mandate extending the lockdown by at least another week. Senior health official says some Israelis who received Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine experienced side effects "unknown" to the pharma giant.
In a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, senior health officials proposed to extend the lockdown by another week due to the high morbidity rate and the new coronavirus mutations.
