By Maytal Yasur Beit-Or, Israel Hayom—
As of Friday morning, the number of coronavirus fatalities in Israel now stands at 148 people, the Health Ministry said. An additional six people passed away overnight Thursday. Altogether, there are 12,855 confirmed cases in Israel – an increase of 97 cases compared to Thursday night. In the Arab town of Deir al-Asad in the Galilee, which could be a new outbreak center, the number of sick people rose from 30-45 – a 50% increase.
The number of people on ventilators dropped from 137 to 129. There are now 182 people in critical condition. Wolfson Medical Center in Holon reported that a 76-year-old woman with pre-existing conditions passed away. The woman was from a nursing home in Jaffa that has already had eight confirmed cases.
A 66-year-old Haifa man who was hospitalized one month ago also passed away Friday morning after being on a ventilator and in a medically induced coma.
Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem reported that an 84-year-old woman with pre-existing conditions passed away Thursday evening. A 96-year-old woman with pre-existing conditions passed away at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center in Hadera.
On Thursday, the Israel National Security Council reported a decrease in the number of tests administered to detect the coronavirus: On Wednesday 9,269 tests were administered, compared to 11,718 on Tuesday.
The government could begin taking steps to ease the restrictions on the public on Sunday, reviving some of the country’s economic activity. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu makes the final decision on the matter on Saturday night.
