The coronavirus epidemic in Israel has claimed 173 lives, according to data published by the Health Ministry on Monday. The most recent fatality was a 90-year-old woman who contracted the virus at a nursing home in Yavniel and died at the Shoham Medical Center in Pardes Hanna.
Shoham Medical Center said that the patient had been admitted on April 7, nearly three weeks ago.
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The Health Ministry also reported that the number of corona patients on ventilators had risen from 109 to 114 since Sunday, and that the number of patients in serious condition has also increased from 146 to 150 as of Sunday night. The total number of confirmed corona cases in Israel stands at 13,654, an increase of 163 since Sunday.
Of all current cases, 395 are listed in serious condition, with another 134 patients in moderate condition and the vast majority – 9,326 – are listed as light or minor cases. A total of 3,872 Israelis have made a full recovery.
On Sunday, the Health Ministry published an overview of the data. The average age of male patients who die of coronavirus in Israel is 84, compared to 86 for women. The youngest Israeli to die of coronavirus thus far was a 29-year-old woman who was terminally ill. The oldest victim was a 99-year-old resident of Rehovot, who died last week.
Professor Itamar Grotto, deputy director-general of the Health Ministry, told Israel Radio on Monday morning that "there is an improvement in the rate of infection, which is why closures on cities are being eased."
However, many members of the public were confused by the latest revisions to the coronavirus crisis restrictions, announced Sunday. In response, the Health Ministry announced Monday that masks are compulsory in public from age six and up, and anyone not wearing a mask would be liable for a fine of 200 shekels ($56).
The ministry also explained that schools would remain closed, with the exception of special education programs. Group prayer would be permitted for up to 19 people, provided participants maintained a distance of two meters (six feet) from each other, and that people could exercise outdoors at a distance of up to 500 meters (1,600 feet) from home, alone or with another member of their household.
