Israeli medical workers wearing protective gears work in the COVID-19 isolation ward at Barzilai Medical Center in southern Israeli city of Ashkelon on Oct. 26, 2020. Israel's health ministry reported 905 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, bringing the total number in the country to 310,851. The death toll rose to 2,453 after 56 new fatalities were added, while the number of patients in serious condition decreased from 510 to 496, out of 877 patients hospitalized. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua)
JERUSALEM, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- Israel's health ministry reported 905 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, bringing the total number in the country to 310,851.
The death toll rose to 2,453 after 56 new fatalities were added, while the number of patients in serious condition decreased from 510 to 496, out of 877 patients hospitalized.
In addition, 1,745 new recoveries were reported, bringing the total number of recoveries to 294,854.
Earlier in the day, the coronavirus cabinet decided to reopen schools for grades 1-2, for the first time since a month-long nationwide lockdown was lifted on Oct. 18.
All pupils in grades 1-2 will learn in half classes on alternate days, according to a formula approved by the coronavirus cabinet, according to a joint statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office and the health ministry.
"Pupils will be obligated to wear masks," the statement noted.
Many businesses, including restaurants, bars, gyms and shopping malls, remain closed. Enditem
