The IDF’s Coronavirus National Information and Knowledge Center warned on Sunday that Israel’s emergence from its lockdown on Sunday morning will result in a sharp spike in its already high infection rate. Also on Sunday morning, Israel’s Health Ministry confirmed 57 virus fatalities over the weekend.

“In the coming weeks, a sharp increase in morbidity is expected due to the easing of restrictions and the spread of the British variant,” the task force said, adding that now, more than ever, Israelis must “show personal responsibility and abide by the regulations.”

“Israel is coming out of its third lockdown with a very high infection rate – the positivity rate and crowding in hospitals remain high even though there has been a certain reduction in serious cases in the last week,” the report stated.

The report added that the basic reproduction number has again surpassed 1, which means that each coronavirus carrier is transmitting the virus to more than one person.

There are only two locales nationwide with a low infection rate – Nesher in the north and Rahat in the south.

The British variant is not only more contagious than the original virus, but it also affects children at a far higher rate and is dangerous for pregnant women. Furthermore, new studies suggest that it may be 30% more deadly than the original virus, although this has yet to be proven.

The government is scheduled to convene on Sunday at 5 p.m to discuss further steps in easing the lockdown, including the partial reopening of the school system on Tuesday.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)