Israeli police and public health officials have today implemented a complete lock down on the ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak, as it is estimated that as many as 40% of the population might be infected with the disease after ignoring government advice on social distancing.
The government has declared the town a “restricted area” open only to medical, welfare and security personnel.
Bnei Brak, which is a city just outside Tel Aviv, has a population of 200,000 mostly ultra-Orthodox residents and the highest per capita rate of coronavirus infection in the country. One in seven of all Israeli coronavirus patients are from Bnei Brak.
Police have established checkpoints across the city and are using drones and other monitoring systems to maintain the lockdown. The government is planning to remove 4,500 people over the age of 80 from Bnei Brak and accommodate them in newly opened isolation hotels.
Yesterday, Israel’s Health Minister and ultra-Orthodox leader, Yaakov Litzman tested positive for coronavirus. Israeli media have reported that the Health Minister broke his own ministry’s guidelines by attending group prayer services earlier this week.
In total, 6,857 Israelis have tested positive for coronavirus. 37 people have died, 107 are in serious condition and 83 are on ventilators.
Across the country, people have been told to stay within a 100-metre radius of their homes; public gatherings have been banned; and anyone going outdoors has been told to cover their face with a mask or scarf.
