Israel Eases Coronavirus Restrictions on ultra-Orthodox Hot Spot, Limits Travel in Jerusalem

As the highly contagious coronavirus spreads around the world, Israel and the Palestinians struggle to contain a local outbreak that has virtually halted daily life and led to tens of thousands of people entering quarantine.

■ 12,591 Israelis have so far tested positive for the coronavirus; 140 people have died. In the West Bank, 316 cases have been diagnosed so far. Two have died. In Gaza, 13 cases have been diagnosed. Coronavirus world tracker: Live statistics of cases and deaths

■ The government has called upon Israelis to wear face masks in public to better protect themselves and others from the virus. Guidelines explained

■ The government has allowed the lockdown on the ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak, a coronavirus hotspot. On Thursday, it is debating whether to reimpose it, as well as extend a curfew on Jerusalem neighborhoods with a high infection rate. 

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4:48 P.M. Drop in number of coronavirus tests performed on Wednesday, Health Ministry says   

The Health Ministry said that 9,268 coronavirus tests were carried out on Wednesday, a drop from Tuesday and Monday, when the Ministry met its goal for the first time and performed 11,501 and 10,401 tests respectively. (Ido Efrati)  

4:45 Ministerial committee reinstates partial closure on Jerusalem, Bnei Brak neighborhoods

A ministerial committee in charge of handling the coronavirus crisis decided to partially renew the closure on the largely ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak, which was badly hit by the pandemic.

According to the new restrictions, the prohibition on entering and exiting Bnei Brak is only valid when residents do so by public transportation. Taxis will not be affected by the latest order.

These restrictions will come into effect Thursday at 6 P.M. until Monday. 

In Jerusalem, residents living in restricted areas will be able to go to work. This order will be in effect until Sunday. (Noa Landau) 

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