Ministers presented with a variety of options, ultimately embrace corona czar's drastic proposals. Although details remain unclear, it appears Israelis will have to spend the month of the High Holy Days at home.
Israel's daily tally of new corona cases rapidly approaches the 4,000 mark. COVID-19 has so far claimed the lives of 1,055 Israelis. Health Minister Yuli Edelstein: Under the current circumstances, I find it difficult to see how we can avoid a full lockdown.
Medical experts say staff is exhausted, despairing, and COVID units are at capacity. Deputy Director of Assuta Ashdod Dr. Hagit Sarbagil-Maman: We need a 're-set.'
Haredi cities and local authorities decry lack of government transparency in decision-making process and "stigma" about Haredim, while the mayor of Arab Israeli city Kafr Qasim says he "requested" the measure.
Coronavirus coordinator Ronni Gamzu to Israel Hayom: People will have to cut back on the "endless round of meals" for the upcoming High Holidays.
Curfews to go into effect Monday night at 7 p.m. and will last until 5 a.m. It remains unclear how long they will remain in place. People will not be allowed to venture more than 500 yards from their homes, and nonessential businesses will have to close.
Leaders of Haredi cities and towns tell Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that they will not forget who painted them as "spreaders of disease" and opted for "selective punishment."
As the government debates whether to impose partial or national lockdown to combat the outbreak racing through Israel, ultra-Orthodox mayors say will not cooperate with authorities on the matter.
Corona coordinator Professor Ronni Gamzu says that not all cities and towns designated "red" will be under full lockdown, but the list will be finalized and approved only on Sunday. Police preparing to enforce lockdown wherever it is announced.
Israel prepares for localized lockdowns as death toll from coronavirus expected to cross 1,000.
