Updated Numbers From Israel

Measures to limit movement come into effect, as number of sick rises to 705

By TOI STAFF

[Note: Why Israel? Its a relatively small country with a robust healthcare system and reliable numbers can be obtained, yet still a heterogeneous population - which can mimic a study to some degree...10 serious cases out of a total of 705, or 1.4% of cases are "serious", with two patients in critical condition (0.28%. And keep in mind this is based upon +test cases, not estimated cases which would drive these numbers substantially down]

New emergency regulations legalizing tough restrictions on movement to battle the spread of coronavirus in Israel came into effect Friday, after receiving cabinet approval overnight.

Ministers unanimously approved the measures, which made the limitations on movement announced earlier in the week legally binding and enforceable.

The restrictions dictate that Israelis should stay at home at all times unless for purposes of essential work, stocking up on food, medical issues or a limited number of permitted activities.

The number of confirmed sick in Israel stood at 705 on Friday morning. Ten were in serious condition and 18 in moderate condition.

An elderly woman in Jerusalem was in critical condition, while an elderly man and woman in central Israel were in very serious condition. Several other patients were in serious condition, sedated and on respirators. The vast majority of patients were experiencing mild symptoms only.

Meanwhile medical officials said the condition of a 38-year-old East Jerusalem bus driver who was Israel’s first COVID-19 patient in serious condition had improved and he was now only displaying mild symptoms.

Worldwide, the death toll surpassed 10,000 and infections topped 240,000, including 86,000 people who have recovered, according to tallies early Friday.

Israeli officials have warned recently that the country would likely see its first deaths and that cases of illness will climb into the thousands soon.

In announcing the new legally binding restrictions, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that it was “a step unlike any since the founding of the State of Israel” but added that the nation had “never faced anything like the coronavirus.”

The steps taken so far have slowed the spread of the virus, “but the pandemic continues to spread,” the prime minister continued. “In Israel… the numbers of those who are sick is growing daily. Nobody has died, but that unfortunately is not likely to continue…there are likely to be many victims.”