Become a Member
Israel

Israel contemplates more full lockdowns in its cities as coronavirus cases exceed 8,000

Infections in Bnei Brak, which was sealed off on Friday, are almost as high as Jerusalem

April 5, 2020 08:42
People wearing face masks in Bnei Brak on Friday
1 min read
 
 
CORONAVIRUS
OUTBREAK

More than 8,000 Israelis have now contracted coronavirus as authorities consider closing off more cities in an effort to mitigate its spread.

A further 182 cases were confirmed on Saturday with the biggest increase in Jerusalem, where 1,311 people have the virus.

But there were almost as many cases — 1,218 — in Bnei Brak, a city five times smaller than Jerusalem.

The city, which is densely populated and home mostly to Strictly Orthodox residents, was sealed off by authorities on Friday.