Israel's daily COVID cases surge past 3,000 as cabinet set to convene

Ministers said set to expand list of 'high risk' countries, tighten Green Pass; death toll since start of the pandemic rises to 6,492; infection rate continues rise, hovering around 4%
i24NEWS|Updated:
The coronavirus cabinet was set to convene Tuesday to approve additional restrictions, as the number of daily cases surpassed 3,000 for the first time since March.
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  • The Health Ministry said that 3,818 Israelis tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday. Out of more than 101,766 tests that had been carried out, 3.78% returned positive.
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    בדיקות קורונה בכיכר רבין
    בדיקות קורונה בכיכר רבין
    A coronavirus testing facility at Tel Aviv's Rabin Square
    (Photo: Moti Kimchi)
    Out of 22,345 active patients, 221 are in serious condition, with 46 connected to ventilators.
    The death toll since the start of the pandemic rose to 6,492.
    Ministers are likely to discuss expanding the list of "high risk" countries - meaning travelers, including those vaccinated, would require one week's isolation upon entering Israel from these destinations.
    The cabinet is also expected to expand the remit of the Green Passport, which was reinstated last week, and which screens certain events to allow entry only to the vaccinated, recovered and those who can demonstrate a negative coronavirus test.
    Currently, children under 12 are exempt from the pass, but this is likely to change, and the rules are expected to be tightened to include events smaller than the current 100 person threshold.
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    נחמן אש בוועידת הבריאות
    נחמן אש בוועידת הבריאות
    Health Ministry Director General Prof. Nachman Ash
    (Photo: Yariv Katz)
    On Monday, Health Ministry Director General Prof. Nachman Ash expressed concern over the continued rise in coronavirus cases.
    "The situation is worrying," he said during a press briefing. "This morning again we saw a rise in both normal and serious illness. I call on everyone to adhere to guidelines, use face masks and follow the Green Pass or any other directives. Keeping in line with these measures saves lives. We are all obligated to do so."
    The Health Ministry chief said he was encouraged by the number of Israelis over 60 who were getting their third vaccine dose, with 45,000 having received booster shots so far.
    He added that no "special side effects" had been reported among those who received the third jab.
    First published: 09:26, 08.03.21
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