The government prepares to tighten Israel’s lockdown

The number of coronavirus patients hospitalized in serious condition for the first time passed 600 by 7 cases after Israel’s second lockdown was imposed on Friday, Health Ministry officials reported on Sunday night. Another 3,406 infections boosted the total to 185,490, of which 50,749 were active cases. The death toll rose to 1,229.  Health officials report a 20pc rise in the number of serious cases over the past 2 weeks.

The government announced that after the New Year Festival ended on Sunday night, further restrictions would be discussed for bringing down the soaring coronavirus infection. Long lines of vehicles headed for Jerusalem to demonstrate outside the prime minister’s Balfour St. residence.