Israel’s Health Ministry confirmed 8,325 new coronavirus cases over Rosh Hashanah. There are currently 52,262 active cases, with 643 seriously ill patients, of whom 170 are ventilated.

Twenty more fatalities were recorded, raising the death toll to 1,236.

Coronavirus czar Prof. Ronni Gamzu said on Sunday night on Channel 12 News that he fears that the number of seriously ill coronavirus patients could rise to 800 by the end of the week, the number that has been quoted as the maximum amount of patients Israeli hospitals can reasonably treat.

Gamzu said that he fears that in light of Israel’s current infection rate, as much as 20 fatalities a day may be confirmed — 600 per month.

“Our situation is grave,” he said, adding that he has instructed all hospitals to open additional coronavirus wards and there may be a reduction of elective procedures. “We’re in an emergency,” he stressed.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)