Israel imposes complete shutdown ahead of Passover

JERUSALEM

The Israeli Cabinet tightened restrictions to contain spread of the coronavirus Tuesday ahead of Jewish holiday of Passover which begins Wednesday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday a complete shutdown will be imposed from 4 p.m. Tuesday (1300GMT) to 7 a.m. (1600GMT) Friday and police declared a ”Safe Spring” security plan to implement curfew.

Authorities said police will start observing the measures, including a ban of gatherings and preserving safe social distances.

Health authorities said the hotspot for the virus was among the ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities.

At least 9,006 Israelis have tested positive for the coronavirus and 60 have died so far.

Since appearing in China last December, the virus has spread to at least 184 countries and regions, according to figures compiled by the U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University.

More than 1.4 million cases have been reported worldwide, with Europe the worst-hit continent.

The global death toll has surpassed 76,300 and but 292,100 people have recovered.


Ahmed Asmar contributed to this report from Ankara