Bennett, Health Ministry chief expect record COVID infections in coming weeks

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett warns that Israel will face “record” COVID-19 infections over the next few weeks, as the Health Ministry director tells hospitals to prepare for more patients than in previous waves.

“The Delta wave is currently engulfing the entire world, including the State of Israel. The State of Israel will face record morbidity in the coming weeks,” Bennett says during a visit to Tel Aviv’s Ichilov hospital.

Meanwhile, the Kan public broadcaster reports that Health Ministry Director-General Nachman Ash has written a letter to hospital managers telling them to open their COVID-19 wards and to prepare to open another one if the existing ward reaches 80% occupancy.

Ash says each hospital should also weigh reducing elective procedures depending on its ability to withstand the impending wave of coronavirus patients.