Coronavirus Outbreak

Health Minister Yuli Edelstein promises the public a "transparent" investigation after failing to count as many as 53 fatalities in nursing homes in July and August.

It looks as if the country can expect a repeat of the Passover ban on travel and instructions to limit holiday meals to the immediate family only.

Coronavirus coordinators Professor Ronni Gamzu expresses frustration with some of the Haredi community in radio interview. Health Ministry reports that Shin Bet phone tracking has identified 27% of carriers, but also cites errors.

Coronavirus commissioner Professor Ronni Gamzu says Israel must lower daily tally of new cases to under 400 or face harsh measures. PM Netanyahu orders Gamzu to "prepare a strict contingency plan" in case the outbreak worsens following the beginning of the new school year.

Three patients treated with antibodies isolated from plasma of recovered COVID patients see their condition improve rapidly. Death toll from virus continues to rise, standing at 639 since the start of the epidemic.

380 patients hospitalized in serious condition. Number of symptomatic carriers increases to 24,699.

Over 85,000 Israelis have contracted coronavirus since the start of the pandemic, and 613 have died. Number of patients listed in serious condition drops to 386 from over 400 on Sunday. Health Ministry issues revised testing and quarantine guidelines.

President Vladimir Putin says one of his daughters has already been inoculated with the vaccine, which has yet to pass Phase 3 clinical trials.

Coronavirus commissioner Ronni Gamzu's plan seeks to adapt restriction and potential lockdowns to regional infection rates, thus minimizing their impact on public life while maximizing authorities' ability to effectively battle the pandemic.

The special coronavirus ministerial forum devolves into shouting match as Likud spars with Blue and White over unity deal, budget. Failure to pass budget by late August would trigger election.