Israel’s new Health Ministry director-general, Prof. Hezi Levy, urged the public to adhere to ministry guidelines when in public, including social distancing and wearing masks properly, to help contain the spread of the coronavirus and thus eliminate the need for a second nationwide lockdown.
Speaking with reporters Sunday evening, Levy said the ongoing ‘second wave’ of the coronavirus not only represented an increase in the number of daily infections, but an increase in the percentage of tests which turned out to be positive.
“We are carrying out some 15,000 tests a day, and the rate of positive tests is on the rise. We’re passing the 2% positive rate in the tests. The rate of infection has grown. We’re seeing more young people testing positive this time around, in comparison to the earlier period.”
Levy added that the outbreaks of the coronavirus were spread across more than 50 different towns and cities.
“The confirmed cases are spread out across more than 50 towns. The outbreaks are communal, and that presents a challenge.”
“Just since last Sunday more than 1,700 more people have been infected. We’ve seen more young people confirmed as being infected that we saw in recent months.”
“There is no substitute for a mask, social distancing, and good hygiene. We have to increase the enforcement [of ministry rules] and carry out tests under a clear, professional policy. Yesterday, I ordered the opening of three new coronavirus treatment centers.”