A medical worker holds a sample for COVID-19 testing in Lod, Israel, on July 9, 2020. The Israeli health ministry reported 1,268 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, raising the total number in the country to 34,825. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)
JERUSALEM, July 9 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli health ministry reported 1,268 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, raising the total number in the country to 34,825.
The death toll increased from 346 to 348, while the number of patients in serious condition increased from 113 to 122, out of 434 patients currently hospitalized, according to the ministry.
The number of recoveries rose to 18,452, with 114 new ones, while the number of active cases rose to 16,025.
Earlier in the day, a special Israeli ministerial committee declared certain neighborhoods in the cities of Jerusalem, Ramla, Lod, Beit Shemesh and Kiryat Malachi "restricted areas."
The declaration came as a result of high morbidity rates in these neighborhoods.
Such measures limit entry and exit of the restricted areas, as well as traffic and business activity in order to maintain public health.
Residents of restricted areas may leave only for essential medical care, legal proceedings or a funeral of a first-degree family member.
Also on the day, an Israeli army spokesperson said Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi and other officers will enter quarantine for staying about a week ago next to a soldier confirmed to be infected with coronavirus.
Kochavi is in good health with no symptoms and will continue on a regular schedule as much as possible, the spokesman noted.
