Israel battles new wave of coronavirus infections after reopening - schools, event halls and pubs

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israel-battles-new-wave-coronavirus-infections-after-reopening-n1233139

Israel battles new wave of coronavirus infections after reopening
"It has been several weeks since Israel's compass for handling the pandemic has lost its bearings," wrote the public health director in her resignation.

When signs of the coronavirus pandemic appeared in Israel in March, the country shut down hard and fast. Then it reopened.

That return to normal, however, was short-lived. Between 8 a.m. Tuesday and 8 a.m. Wednesday morning, Israel recorded a new daily high of 1,528 coronavirus cases, the Health Ministry said. In the West Bank and Gaza, cases have also steadily risen, with more than 300 reported on Tuesday.

Israel has now reimposed some coronavirus restrictions, though it has yet to go back into full lockdown. Bars, clubs and event halls were shut, restaurants limited to 20 people and all pools and gyms closed earlier this week.

Israel's new spate of infections illustrates the risks attached to stopping lockdown conditions.

According to Gabi Barbash, a former director general of the Health Ministry and professor of epidemiology at the Weizmann Institute, the main trigger for the new wave lies in the government’s decision to open schools, event halls and pubs, with infections surging among young people.