Italy or Spain can happen here, Health Ministry director-general warns

Taking the podium after Netanyahu, Health Ministry Director-General Moshe Bar Siman-Tov warns there could be a large rise in infections if people do not adhere to instructions meant to curb the spread of the virus.

“We estimate that scenarios like in Italy or Spain can happen here,” he says.

In the coming days, come what may, the rate of new cases will rise — to 100 a day or more.

“We may get to a situation in which hundreds more [new cases are confirmed] each day.”

Ultimately, while there have been Israeli deaths to date, “people will die — possibly even in the next few days.”

He adds: “To our sorrow, in our scenarios, many thousands [of Israelis] could die.” Thus the goal of Israel’s measures is to keep that number down by minimizing contagion.

He also calls on Israelis not to visit their elderly parents or grandparents, who are at greater risk from the virus, and says those who feel unwell must stay home.

“We’d rather you follow our instructions,” he says. “If necessary, we’ll enforce them.”