Jerusalem continues to struggle with limiting the spread of the corona contagion, as the number of confirmed cases continues to rise. The Israeli Health Ministry reported a steep rise of more than 1,000 new cases, bringing the number of infected individuals to 4,347, out of whom 80 are in critical condition.
In light of the deteriorating situation, it has been reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering a general hermetic nation-wide lockdown for a duration of up-to three weeks.
A source familiar with the details explained to TV7 that the general lockdown will be subject to a weekly review, and that the Israeli military will be mobilized to assist police with enforcement, in addition to accommodating vital logistical demands.
It is important to point out that Jerusalem’s government is making every effort to regain control of the rapidly spreading contagion. According to Israeli National Security Adviser Meir Ben Shabbat, “The steps we take are aimed at achieving a clear immediate goal – stopping the infection within us. Reduce the situations where infection is possible. If we stop the spread and quickly find and address those who are already infected – we will regain control of the situation. ”
The Israeli National Security Adviser further stressed the importance of the general public’s adherence to the measures enacted by the government’s coronavirus task force, saying “The rapid pace of occurrences, the uncertainty about the onset of the disease and its consequences, are very burdensome and create an understandable expectation of clarity and stability. Unfortunately, it is difficult to provide a conclusive and well-founded answer to this question and we must assume that the time frame is not going to be short. But, and this is very significant but, it is up to us. Not only, but also us. It depends on the steps taken and the commitment that each and every one of us makes to the joint effort, to slow the spread of the epidemic.”
The Israeli Security Adviser revealed that the results of the measures undertaken will only be known after two weeks’ time, due to the limited number of tests administrated thus far which subsequently provide Israel’s health authorities with only a partial picture of the situation. “Needless to say, in the midst of this campaign, it is hard to predict the future. The present picture is unknown. We will only get a grade on our current behavior in two weeks. If we were right, then great. But if we make a mistake, we will know it too late,” he said.