National death toll reaches 956, with 1,229 positive tests between midnight and 7pm; 20,960 people currently suffering from COVID-19 in the country, with 415 people in serious condition and 117 on patients on ventilators
Eleven people succumbed to COVID-19 and 1,229 tested positive for the coronavirus in Israel between midnight and 7pm Tuesday, the Health Ministry said.
The death toll from the virus in Israel now stands at 956.
A total of 17,527 tests were conducted throughout the country in that period, yielding a positive infection rate of 7.3 percent.
On Monday, the Health Ministry reported a record high for new diagnoses in the country, with 2,183 positive tests. Monday’s infection rate, however, was the same as it was for Tuesday.
There are currently 20,960 people actively suffering from COVID-19 in the country, with 415 people in serious condition and 117 on ventilators.
Earlier Tuesday, schools in Israel opened their doors to students with the exception of education facilities in communities with a high infection rate, which Health Ministry ordered to remain closed.
Israel’s 2,400,000 schoolchildren began the academic year in kindergartens, schools and via remote learning, including 169,000 children who took their first steps into grade 1 classes.
Coronavirus cabinet voted late on Monday that schools in 23 “red” cities and communities, where the COVID-19 infection rate is exceptionally high, were to remain closed.
The decision left more than 140,000 children of all ages at home. The ministers are were set to hold another discussion Thursday on whether to reopen schools in those areas.
The Haredi West Bank settlement of Beitar Illit, however, opened its schools on the first day of the academic year despite the ministry order, claiming that the directive discriminates against ultra-Orthodox public.
Israel’s coronavirus czar Prof. Ronni Gamzu last week warned that infection rates were climbing once again among the ultra-Orthodox community.
As reported by Ynetnews