Originally posted at >>>/qresearch/10764058 (240152ZSEP20) Notable: International News
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>>108805
Coronavirus cabinet concludes: Full lockdown beginning Friday
Blue and White ministers accuse PM of using closure to mute protesters · Nearly 7,000 people diagnosed in one day
The country is heading back into a complete lockdown which is to begin Friday and is likely to last until at least the end of the holidays.
After eight hours of deliberations, the coronavirus cabinet made its recommendations, which were brought to the full cabinet for a late-night vote.
The lockdown is expected to be more stringent than the one in March, and should include shuttering synagogues, reducing the number of people who can protest, closing all nonessential businesses and markets, reducing public transportation routes and allowing citizens to gather only within their nuclear families.
Protesters are expected to be allowed to demonstrate and worshipers to pray in groups of up to 20 people within one kilometer of their homes. Synagogues are expected to open only on Yom Kippur for small groups of worshipers.
A decision on halting flights departing Ben-Gurion Airport as early as Friday was not finalized by press time.
The decision comes on the day that almost 7,000 people were diagnosed with coronavirus in a 24-hour period – unprecedented numbers.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushed for the total closure during the coronavirus cabinet meeting Wednesday, despite opposition by the Finance Ministry and some other senior officials. They said that a total lockdown was not needed.
The closure will cost an estimated NIS 35 billion ($10b.) if the lockdown lasts three weeks.
“The situation is bad; we’re seeing a steep increase in morbidity rates,” Netanyahu said via a video message during a bPost too long. Click here to view the full text.