JERUSALEM, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Nazareth, the largest Arab city in Israel, and the Druze town of Isfiya was declared as "restricted areas" on Friday to curb the spread of the COVID-19, according to a joint statement by the Israeli prime minister's office and the health ministry.
The declaration came as a result of high morbidity rates in the two northern locations, and will take effect on Saturday morning.
According to the health ministry's data, the number of active COVID-19 cases in Nazareth is the second highest in Israel, even though it is only the 20th largest city in the country in terms of population.
Such a measure limits entry and exit of the restricted areas, as well as traffic and business activity there.
Residents of restricted areas may leave only for essential medical care, legal proceedings or a funeral of a first-degree family member. Enditem
