Israel set for tougher curbs as virus tally top 200,000

By Abdelraouf Arnaout

JERUSALEM (AA) – Over 6,800 more infections took Israel's COVID-19 tally past 200,000 on Thursday, as the country heads for a stricter lockdown within the next 24 hours.

According to the Health Ministry, 6,808 new cases raised Israel’s overall count to 206,332, including 1,335 deaths and 148,075 recoveries.

At least 667 patients remain in critical condition, it added.

Given the continued spike in cases, Israel plans to make the nationwide lockdown imposed last week more stringent.

Early on Thursday, the Israeli government approved a comprehensive plan that will come into effect on Friday, according to the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation.

The lockdown will last until Oct. 11 and only essential workers will be allowed to venture out for work during the period.

The restrictions may be extended for two more weeks upon the government’s assessment, the report said.

* Writing by Mahmoud Barakat