Israel’s cabinet has decided to place the country under closure beginning Friday. The nationwide lockdown will last three weeks, from the eve of the Jewish New Year and throughout the high holiday season.
Addressing Israelis on TV right after the cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the government's decision came after medical experts raised the alarm over the high numbers of people infected with the coronavirus and over the growing number of seriously ill patients. "We were warned of a spike in severe cases that could result in a number of deaths we have not seen before. The winter that is nearing may see seasonal flu added to the coronavirus case load so we must take steps in advance."
