(ANSA) - TEL AVIV, 15 SEPT - In the last 24 hours the new infections in Israel, according to preliminary data from the health ministry, have reached almost 5 thousand cases (4,812): so far a record.
Yesterday, over 47 thousand swabs were carried out which revealed an infection rate of just over 10%.
The deaths from the beginning of the pandemic have reached 1,136.
From next Friday, a total lockdown of 3 weeks will take place across the country, as recently established by the government.
At the moment there are over 40,000 active patients.
The percentage of infections, writes Israel ha-Yom, is particularly high in places populated by Orthodox Jews, where it has reached a level three times higher than the national average.
Other important outbreaks have been recorded in Arab locations.
The newspaper noted that the opening of schools was added two weeks ago to contribute to the growth of infections.
Meanwhile, several hospitals warn that their coronavirus departments are full and that it is not possible for them to admit other patients with the virus.
The health authorities have specified that during the lockdown, the Israelis will have to stay at home and will not be able to leave more than 500 meters from their homes.
However, there are exceptions for those who are on their way to work, or for those who need medical care or even for the accompaniment of children of divorced couples.
Other exceptions have been made for observant Jews on the occasion of the Jewish New Year celebrations, which begin on Friday evening.
(HANDLE).