Israel reports 3 more virus deaths, over 2,000 cases

By Abdelraouf Arnaout

JERUSALEM (AA) – Israel reported three more fatalities and 2,257 new infections from the novel coronavirus on Monday.

Health officials said the number of cases has reached 131,970, including 1,022 deaths, and 103,849 recoveries since the virus was first detected on Feb. 21.

Earlier on Monday, the prime minister's office and the health ministry announced in a joint statement the approval of imposing a night shutdown on the cities labeled as red zones, which recorded high numbers of coronavirus cases.

According to the statement, 40 cities and villages have been designated red zones.

The night shutdown will take effect for a week from 19:00 to 5:00 in the morning local time.

The decision also includes prohibiting gatherings of more than ten people indoors, 20 people in open areas and closing educational institutions.

* Writing by Mahmoud Barakat