Israel imposed third nationwide lockdown after a spike in covid-19 cases, Image credit: Reuters
Tel Aviv: Israel on Sunday toughened its fight against Covid 19 enforcing the third nationwide lockdown.
The restrictions probably lasting two weeks, pending a final decision by the coronavirus cabinet, want people to stay within 1,000 metres of their homes after 5 pm.
People are not allowed out except for commuting to workplaces defined as "essential," seeking medical care, attending legal proceedings, and exercising.
Restaurants and shops are closed, except for deliveries.
Unlike the two previous lockdowns, kindergartens, schools for children under six, and secondary schools for grades 11 and 12 will remain open.
The Finance Ministry has estimated that the third lockdown will cost the Israeli economy about $930 million a week.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was hopeful that the vaccination drive will help beat the pandemic, as Israel was entering the second week of its vaccination drive.
In the current stage, however, only the elderly, people at high risk, and medical teams are being given the vaccine.
According to Netanyahu, Israel can provide up to 150,000 vaccine shots per day by January 1, 2021.
"Since everyone needs two injections, after one month we will have vaccinated 2.25 million Israeli citizens," the prime minister said.
With a population of about 9 million, Israel has so far reported 401,470 confirmed coronavirus cases and 3,226 deaths.
IANS report with edits