Israeli leaders cautiously optimistic as virus rates slip

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says ministers will meet Monday to discuss new virus czar Ronni Gamzu’s plan to curb the COVID-19 pandemic.

The proposal will focus on how to “cut the chain of infection,” says Netanyahu.

He also reiterates praise for government stimulus payouts, which began today.

“We are buying options for vaccines. I can’t tell you that a vaccine will be found, but the signs, today, are encouraging,” adds Netanyahu.

Yuli Edelstein, the health minister, says the number of virus cases are dropping.

“We managed to stop the rise in infections,” he says.

“It’s good, but it’s certainly not enough. The numbers are still high and worrisome,” adds Edelstein.

Gamzu directs his comments to the ultra-Orthodox community, while stressing all Israelis must keep social distancing and wear masks.

“It’s very important during this time to keep the rules. It’s very important for us to lower the infection rates…. It depends on you all,” he tells Haredi communities.

“We want to get to the holidays [in September] with all the cities [in Israel] becoming green [low infection],” he says.

Gamzu also says the government won’t be “hasty” in lifting the existing virus restrictions.