Prof. Hezi Levy, director-general of the Health Ministry, defended the government's decision to impose a nationwide lockdown, speaking on Kan Bet this morning.
"There is no other way of dealing with this epidemic," he stated. "Occupancy in hospital coronavirus departments is on the rise, and there are places where over 50% of the beds are already filled."
He also addressed criticism of the fact that the education system will be permitted to remain operational throughout the lockdown, albeit only until one p.m. "This was a compromise, in order to minimize the risks," Levy said. "I appreciate that it's hard to understand the reasoning behind this decision, but whenever a lockdown is imposed, it's like walking a tightrope in trying to balance the various needs of the population."