The National Security Council (NSC) recommended in a discussion with Prime Minister Netanyahu that all synagogues and yeshivot be closed in response to the rapid spread of the coronavirus.
The NSC also recommended that the opening of restaurants be limited to take-out and deliveries.
Several of the participants in the discussion recommended the imposition of a full lockdown. However, Defense Minister Benny Gantz stated that two weeks had not passed since the last restrictions were imposed, so it was too soon to impose new restrictions.
The meeting was also attended by Finance Minister Yisrael Katz, Health Minister Yuli Edelstein, Science and Technology Minister Yizhar Shai, Head of the National Economic Council Prof. Avi Simhon, Governor of the Bank of Israel Prof. Amir Yaron, Acting Director General of the Prime Minister's Office Ronen Peretz, Director General of the Health Ministry Prof. Hezi Levi, and former Health Ministry Director General Moshe Bar Siman-Tov.
Prime Minister Netanyahu issued instructions to strengthen the healthcare system through improved standards, budgets and manpower. Netanyahu added that additional financial assistance should be provided to families. Another meeting will be held in the coming days to discuss additional steps.
The Health Ministry announced Tuesday that 1,681 people have been diagnosed with the coronavirus over the last day, setting a record for new infections in a 24-hour period since the pandemic began. The total number of coronavirus infections rose to 41,235, 21,393 of which are active cases.
524 coronavirus patients are hospitalized, 177 of whom are in serious condition and 55 of whom are on ventilators.
The death toll since the start of the pandemic in Israel stands at 368.