Day before Israel’s next lockdown, new covid cases hit 7,820

The Health Ministry reported Thursday morning another 7,820 coronavirus cases had been confirmed on Wednesday and 6,2pc positive tests. Hospitals are caring for 873 seriously ill covid patients with 210 on ventilators. The number of deaths jumped again to 3,527. Also on Wednesday, 1,593 Israelis received vaccinations. The Moderna company announced that its first vaccine delivery to Israel was days away and would come in “significant” amounts. This news reached Israelis hours before they faced a strict two-week lockdown starting at Thursday midnight, with 5,000 policemen mobilized to enforce restrictions.