Netanyahu decries ‘loosening’ adherence to virus rules

Prime Minister Netanyahu warns of  “a steep increase” in new coronavirus cases in recent days, but says it’s too early to say whether this is a trend.

He complains, however, of a “loosening” of Israelis’ adherence to social-distance rules meant to prevent the virus from spreading. He specifies that he’s seen Israelis sunbathing and dancing too close together and without masks — “celebrating that the coronavirus is over… Unfortunately that’s not the case.”

He says yesterday saw the highest single day of new cases registered around the world and says COVID-19 is “rampant around the world” and “it’s here in Israel.”

“As long as no vaccine is found for the virus, it will return and spread if we aren’t meticulous about the rules,” Netanyahu says.

He continues: “If we don’t do this, there will be no choice but to return to limitations on the economy and public sphere.”