The Israeli cabinet voted overnight to extend the country’s lockdown from Friday to Sunday morning. It also agreed to begin gradually reopening parts of the economy next week.
Starting February 7th, the Israeli restrictions on movement will be lifted while certain businesses will be able to reopen. Ministers will meet Sunday to further discuss the country’s exit plan from its third lockdown.
Israel began its vaccination program by inoculating its oldest citizens and those with serious underlying conditions.
In cities with high levels of vaccination, there’s been a 50% drop in confirmed cases, a 40% decrease in hospitalizations and there are 15% fewer serious patients.
“The vaccine's effect is profound,” said Professor Eran Segal of the Weizmann Institute.
The virus’s reproduction rate is under the magic number of one, meaning infection rates should continue to decline.
Follow the latest news on Google News
