Israel tightens 2nd lockdown over cases
Jerusalem, Sept. 24: Israel on Thursday moved to further tighten its second countrywide lockdown as Coronavirus cases continued to soar, ordering all nonessential businesses to close and requiring people to stay within 1,000 metres ( yards) of their homes.
Prayers during the ongoing Jewish High Holidays, as well as political demonstrations, would be limited to open spaces and no more than 20 people, and participants would have to remain within the restricted distance from home. The measures are set to go into force on Friday afternoon, as the country shuts down for the weekly Sabbath ahead of the solemn holiday of Yom Kippur on Sunday and Monday.
Even during normal times, Israel completely shuts down for Yom Kippur, with businesses and airports closed, roads empty, and even radio and television stations going silent.
The restrictions on demonstrations are subject to approval by the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, and the limits on both prayers and protests could spark a backlash.
An anti- lockdown demonstration was planned for later in the day in front of the Knesset.
Israel’s politically influential ultra- Orthodox community has objected to limits on public prayer during the ongoing Jewish High Holidays, and opponents of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have accused the government of using the lockdown as a cover to end weekly demonstrations against his handling of the crisis.
Poland reports daily after easing curbs Warsaw, Sept. 24: Poland was hit by a record daily rise in Coronavirus cases on Thursday attributable to increased direct contact between people after a lifting of restrictions, the health ministry said.
It reported 1,136 new Covid19 infections, the biggest daily number since the start of the pandemic in March. The nation of 38 million people has registered 82,809 infections, including 2,369 deaths. Health ministry data showed the biggest rise in new cases in the south- east, though other regions also saw notable hikes. — Agencies
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