Deputy health minister said Tuesday that lifting lockdown at this stage would be a "mistake" due to the surge in new coronavirus cases and the spread of mutations.
The cabinet on Sunday voted to extend the lockdown until Friday, with another meeting planned for later this week, where the closure might be extended further as the coronavirus reproduction number is approaching 1 for the first time in months.
"The Health Ministry has requested a lockdown until Sunday," Yoav Kisch told Ynet. "We want to see the data, we are at the peak of the outbreak. The health system is under a huge burden and it would be a mistake to lift the lockdown even on Sunday."
He said the current virus wave will subside once a larger chunk of the population is vaccinated.
"With every passing day, more people from risk groups are becoming protected, so it gives hope. The vaccines will save lives and in my opinion, in February we will see a decrease in the number of serious patients."
The deputy health minister also criticized Defense Minister Benny Gantz for insisting on lifting the lockdown, citing its alleged ineffectiveness, and rejecting the Health Ministry's demand for a week-long extension.
"He forces the Health Ministry to end the lockdown in an uncontrolled manner," he said. "With all due respect, ending the lockdown when the coefficient of infection (R) is approaching 1, it means a step up in infection. Only when we start to see a decline in new verified cases and seriously ill, we well be able talk about opening up."
Kisch added he's against partial reopening because it ironically leads to overcrowding.
"The last time when we reopened only the street stores, it created the opposite effect, overcrowding and congestion. If you reopen the trade then reopen the whole thing. Once you decide to reopen, then partially reopening is a mistake because it unites people from all areas, green and red, in one place."