Israel’s Lockdown Set to Be Extended by One Week

The government is expected to approve on Sunday the extension of the current lockdown by another week.

The lockdown was scheduled to end on Sunday at midnight.

Defense Minister Benny Gantz’s Blue and White party is expected to support the extension, but if infection rates continue to drop, the party is expected to demand a loosening of the lockdown.

Meanwhile, on Sunday afternoon, the Knesset is expected to vote for the second and third times on the bill raising fines for those violating coronavirus guidelines. The discussion on the bill will be held at 2:00 p.m., after which the government is expected to vote to extend the lockdown.

Last week, the Health Ministry requested to extend the current lockdown by one week.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry said on Motzoei Shabbos that 6,435 new daily coronavirus cases were diagnosed a day earlier and 52 new coronavirus-related deaths were reported over Shabbos.

The Health Ministry said on Friday over 72,000 tests had been conducted, putting the contagion rate at 9%.

1,173 patients are listed in serious condition, of whom 332 are ventilated. Israel’s official death toll now stands at 4,738.