Israel’s COVID-19 cases nearing 10,000, deaths at 86

By Mustafa Deveci

JERUSALEM (AA) - The number of coronavirus cases in Israel has neared 10,000 and the death toll stands at 86, the country’s Health Ministry said Thursday.

The ministry said six people died and 213 more tested positive for COVID-19, raising the total number of cases to 9,968.

It said 166 of the nearly 10,000 patients are in critical condition while 1,011 have recovered.

Israel is currently on a lockdown until Friday for the Jewish Passover holiday.

The government has taken several measures to stem the spread of the virus, including closing all educational institutions and banning gatherings of more than 10 people in open or closed public areas.

All businesses except supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations and banks have also been closed since March 15.

Tel Aviv also banned the entry of foreign citizens into the country except those with Israeli residency.

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

Over 1.5 million cases have been reported worldwide with nearly 95,000 deaths and more than 353,000 recoveries.

*Writing by Burak Dag in Ankara