Israel reports over 4,500 new COVID-19 cases

JERUSALEM

Israel registered 4,674 new coronavirus infections on Wednesday, according to the Health Ministry.

Israel’s overall pandemic case count now stands at 278,585, including 1,803 deaths and 215,181 recoveries, the ministry said in a statement.

At least 855 patients remain in critical condition, it added.

Amid an exponential rise in infections, Israel returned to imposing a total lockdown which will remain in force until Oct. 14.

Last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the lockdown will be lifted slowly and in a gradual process that could even continue for an entire year.

*Writing by Mahmoud Barakat