Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday announced a third national blockade in an effort to combat a growing number of coronavirus cases.
Netanyahu said the new restrictions would begin on Sunday night and remain in place for 14 days if the cabinet approved, according to Reuters.
Under the proposed restrictions, travel would be limited, schools would be partially closed and shops and businesses would be closed. Residents would also be limited to traveling just a mile from their homes, unless they go to work or buy essential goods such as food, Reuters said.
The Christian population of the nation would be limited to celebrating Christmas with prayer and worship in assemblies of at least 10 people indoors and no more than 100 people outdoors.
The news of the blockade comes just as Israel began launching its coronavirus vaccine. Netanyahu received the nation’s first inoculation on Saturday.
He encouraged others to do the same.
“It was a small blow for a man, a huge step for everyone’s health. May this be so successful. Get out and get vaccinated! Netanyahu remarked after his shooting.
Health Minister Yuli Edelstein said the country was on track to complete its vaccination campaign in the coming months, Reuters reported.
Israel has more than 385,000 coronavirus cases and 3,150 virus-related deaths. The nation’s health ministry reported on Wednesday that four people in Israel had been infected with the new strain of COVID-19, which was first found in Britain, according to media reports.