Israel Enters Almost Full Coronavirus Lockdown

Jerusalem, 15 March, 2020 (TPS) -- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Saturday night that Israel was entering an almost full lockdown to stave off the spread of Coronavirus.

With some 200 documented patients, Netanyahu announced a full shutdown of the school system, of all public entertainment areas, public venues and malls, and called on Israel’s citizens to stay home if there was no real need otherwise.

“We are fighting for life and public health – there are thousands of dead in the world. Countries in the world are learning from us. New Zealand noted that Israeli policy has proven to be correct and they are adopting it. We are ahead of many countries in the world,” Netanyahu stated at the press conference.

“We are looking ahead into the future and know that it will be difficult to continue in this situation – but we are among the countries in the best position in the world,” he added.

All gatherings of over 10 people are banned, and religious gatherings were limited to a minimum.

Public transportation will be limited, and only a few passengers will be allowed to board.

Netanyahu stressed that food markets and pharmacies would remain open and that there was no need to stock up on food.

“Food factories in Israel will continue to work as usual. The food chains have large stocks. The import of food into Israel continues. This creates a large inventory so there is no need or justification for storing food,” the Prime Minister’s Office stated.

Markets at various locations saw close to riots scenes on Saturday night as people ran to stock up on food.

Israel will utilize digital tools it usually employs to fight terrorism to track patients, Netanyahu revealed.

Sunday’s Cabinet meeting will be held via video conference.

The police has announced it will crack down on businesses and individuals breaching the directives. Footage seen by TPS showed the police in Tel Aviv arresting a man who had disregarded the quarantine he was supposed to have been in.

The IDF has ordered its troops to return to base for the coming month. Soldiers in Israel usually go home every two weeks.

The Corona patients in Israel are hospitalized in special wards at several hospitals. All are in light condition, accept 11 who are in moderate condition and two who are in serious condition. They are being treated with various experimental medications.

Four patients have recovered and have been sent home.

The novel Coronavirus COVID-19 is affecting 152 countries around the world.

At least 156,800 cases of Coronavirus have been confirmed worldwide, including at least 5,800 deaths. Some 76,000 have recovered.