Senior health officials oppose full lockdown — report

Ministerial support for a full lockdown reportedly comes in contradiction to the recommendation of several senior health officials.

According to Walla news, national coronavirus czar Ronni Gamzu tells the cabinet that in terms of reducing morbidity, a total closure would be “highly effective” — but would “destroy the economy.” Gamzu is said to instead recommend a “smart closure” that also takes into account the damage to the economy.

Health Ministry deputy director Itamar Grotto reportedly tells ministers, “there is no need for a complete closure right now, we can wait with the tightening of measures.”

Netanyahu replies to Grotto, according to Walla: “Why wait? In any case we will have to go to a total closure within a few days. If we wait until after Sukkot, the closure will cost us more money.”