Israel’s Health Ministry recorded 1,612 coronavirus cases in the previous 24 hours on Thursday morning. There are currently 23,416 active cases, with 386 seriously ill patients, an increase of seven since Wednesday. There are 114 patients connected to ventilators. The death toll has risen to 643.

On Wednesday, Israel recorded its deadliest day since the pandemic began with 17 fatalities in 24 hours.

The Health Ministry ordered Israel’s Kupot Cholim on Thursday to close its drive-in coronavirus testing centers in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Be’er Sheva and Haifa following a dramatic reduction in the number of Israelis seeking tests in these cities, Ynet reported. The drive-in testing center in Be’er Sheva and Haifa closed a week ago.

Magen David Adom’s portable drive-in testing centers will continue to operate for the time being.

The National Security Council (NSC) warned the government earlier this week that Israel may run out of personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical staff treating coronavirus patients by next month, according to an Army Radio report.

The NSC specified that there could be a shortage of disposable gloves by as early as September, a shortage of robes by October and a shortage of protective bodysuits by November.

The Health Ministry responded to the report by stating that “there is a global shortage [of PPE] and we making efforts to overcome it.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)