Almost two weeks after a lockdown began, the number of new coronavirus infections in Israel exceeded 9,000 for the first time. The Ministry of Health announced yesterday that 9,013 new cases had been registered the day before – more than ever before in one day. With 124 new infections within 24 hours, there was also a record in the Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian information.
The pandemic in Israel initially went smoothly, also because of the government’s strict policy. However, after easing in May, the number of cases soared. A lockdown with restrictions such as exit restrictions has been in place since September 18; last Friday the measures were tightened. On the night of yesterday, the coronavirus cabinet decided to extend the lockdown by three days until October 14th.
Arab and ultra-orthodox neighborhoods were particularly hard hit
Most recently, Arab and ultra-Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods, in which larger families often live together in a confined space, have been hardest hit by the increase in the number of cases. The government’s coronavirus commissioner, Ronni Gamsu, said, according to consistent reports, 40 percent of the most recently positive people came from the ultra-Orthodox community.
