The Health Ministry reported there are 13,362 confirmed cases of coronavirus as of Sunday morning, 255 more than 24 hours earlier.
However, 317 patients have recovered at the same time and 3,564 Israelis have beaten the virus so far. The number of Israelis recovering from the virus has now exceeded the number of new diagnoses for the third day in a row.
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Coronavirus testing station for southern Tel Aviv's African asylum seeker population
(Photo: Moti Kimchi)
The number of coronavirus patients in serious condition dropped from Saturday morning to 156 patients (-6.6%) and the number of patients on ventilator support dropped to 109 (-7.6%), the lowest number of patients receiving respiratory assistance in almost two weeks.
At least 140 patients are in moderate condition, while 9,378 only display mild symptoms.
There are currently 592 coronavirus patients receiving treatment in hospitals while 6,739 people are fighting the virus at home. Another 2,055 people are currently receiving treatment in specially designated hotels and 241 are awaiting a decision on whether they will be treated.
Seven more Israelis have succumbed to complications of COVID-19 since Saturday evening, bringing the country's coronavirus-related fatalities to 171.
Meanwhile, the northern town of Deir al-Asad, which was placed under lockdown Saturday morning due to its high number of coronavirus infections, recorded a 23% spike in the number of new cases diagnosed. In total, 89 of the predominately Arab town's residents have contracted the deadly strain.
After an all-night conference call, Cabinet ministers approved on Sunday a gradual opening of the economy and an easing of some of the social distancing rules Israelis had been asked to observe as part of the national effort to rein in the spread of coronavirus.
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Ultra-Orthodox praying in adherence to Health Ministry orders in Bnei Brak
(Photo: Itay Blumenthal)
Civilians will be required to wear facial masks in public. Those who will fail to do so will be given a warning by law enforcement. Repeat offenders may face a NIS 200 fine.
Restrictions on public prayers were also eased and now worshippers are allowed to hold outdoor prayers in groups of up to 19 participants. All participants must wear facial masks and maintain a distance of at least two meters from each other at all times. Prayers may be held at a distance of up to 500 meters from home or the workplace.