The IDF's Military Intelligence Directorate report published Monday says that Israel's third nationwide closure must not be lifted instantaneously, due to the unknown properties of the coronavirus mutations recently discovered in the country.
"Until the risk posed by the mutant strains of the coronavirus (British, African and Brazilian) becomes clear, drastic preventive measures must be taken to stop their spread, including accelerating the vaccination campaign and avoiding lifting the lockdown in an uncontrolled manner."
According to the report, the virus reproduction number continues to rise and now stands at 0.96. There is, however, a decline in the rate of verified and seriously ill patients among those aged 60 and up.