For the first time since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in Israel, the total number of Israelis who recovered from coronavirus exceeded the number of active patients, the Health Ministry reported on Wednesday.
According to ministry data, 7,929 patients in Israel have already recovered (554 recoveries in the last 24 hours), compared to 7,641 patients who are still battling the virus (365 fewer than 24 hours earlier).
In the last 24 hours, 193 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed bringing the country's overall sick tally to 15,782, while 212 patients have succumbed to complications of COVID-19.
Among the latest figures are 120 people in serious condition, a 2.5% increase over the past 24 hours, and 91 patients receiving respiratory support, a 3% drop.
A total of 352 people currently being treated in hospitals, while 4,540 are battling the virus at home. Some 1,726 patients are treated in specially designated hotels and another 1,023 waiting to be informed whether they require hospitalization.
A nationwide lockdown was imposed on Israel's cities and towns Tuesday evening in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. Traditional barbecues in local parks have been banned by the Health Ministry, while most municipalities canceled all firework shows, deeming it "inappropriate" at the time of the epidemic.
Police set up 44 checkpoints across the country Tuesday afternoon ahead of the nationwide lockdown, which took effect at 5pm and is set to expire Thursday 8am, as part of government measures meant to curb coronavirus.
Public transportation was halted at 5pm and will not be renewed until Thursday morning. Supermarkets closed as well throughout the lockdown.
As of Tuesday evening, there are 15,728 confirmed coronavirus cases in Israel, while 210 patients have succumbed from the virus.
Among the latest figures, are 116 people are in serious condition, a drop of 8% over the past 24 hours, with 92 patients needing ventilator support, a drop of 5%.