Israel’s pandemic czar said the country's third national lockdown will likely be extended by a week


Israeli government officials are weighing a decision whether to extend Israel's current national lockdown as health experts warn the coronavirus infection rate remains too high for curbs in restrictions.

On January 5, the Israeli government approved a decision to impose a two-week nationwide lockdown in an effort to drive down the country's rocketing morbidity rate as daily cases topped more than 8,000. 

As in Israel's previous two lockdowns in March and September, pharmacies, grocery stores, and other "essential" businesses have been allowed to remain open in a limited capacity, while freedom of movement has been limited to 0.6 miles from a person's home.

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Israel’s pandemic czar, Prof Nachman Ash, said last Wednesday that the country's third national lockdown will likely be extended by a week. 

The proposal, however, is meeting resistance from ultra-Orthodox lawmakers, who oppose extending the lockdown as the measure will force the continued closure of religious Jewish schools and institutions.

The Blue and White party, headed by Israel's Defense Minister and Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz, have also voiced opposition to the plan, claiming that the lockdowns are exacting too high a toll on the country's economy, which is estimated to cost some NIS4.25 billion (US$1.3 billion) a week. 

Read more at i24