With infections on the rise, IDF's coronavirus information center recommends reimposing restrictions to keep outbreak under control. In worrying sign Israel likely to see increase in severe cases next week, spike in infections also seen among individuals aged 60 and up.
The Health Ministry says infection rate currently stands at 1.9%. British officials report that the country could start distributing a coronavirus vaccine by Christmas.
Sinwar, 58, is "following the advice of health authorities and taking precautionary measures."
As Israel records highest daily number of coronavirus cases since October, deputy Health Ministry chief says next lockdown could be imposed in late January. Serological samples show 40% of Haredim have antibodies for coronavirus. Meanwhile, Israel Institute for Biological Research head says its vaccine will be ready by the summer.
Hanukkah, New Year's celebrations may be limited to families of the same household, Health Ministry chief Hezi Levy says, citing "worrying" increase in virus' rate of reproduction. Israel currently has 9,897 cases of the virus, 263 of them serious. Among those in serious condition, 114 are on ventilators. So far, 2,864 people have died.
Coronavirus Commissioner Prof. Nachman Ash says the possibility of a third lockdown is not off the table. Lockdown is not a punishment rather an efficient tool to reduce morbidity and halt the spread of the virus, he explains.
Coronavirus National Information and Knowledge Center says planned rollbacks in coronavirus restrictions set for next week will speed up the morbidity rate in all of the country's sectors. With 53,667 people tested on Thursday, report notes increase in infections may in part be due to increased testing.
Emphasizing "there are difficult days ahead," coronavirus chief Nachman Ash says he plans to create "green passport" for Israelis who have recovered from the virus or who are at lower risk of infection to allow for "corona routine." "My job is to protect you," he says.
Should Hanukkah vacation be cancelled to avoid crowds in enclosed spaces? Some public health researchers think so.
On tour of logistics center set to receive and store vaccines, PM Netanyahu says, "Israel is on its way out of the pandemic." As Israel records over 1,000 new cases for first time in a month, Health Ministry plans to prioritize medical workers, elderly, followed by high-risk populations, teachers for vaccination.
