Israel records over 3,000-case rise in virus infections

JERUSALEM

Israel registered 3,167 infections from the novel coronavirus on Monday.

In a statement, Israel's Health Ministry said the country’s tally rose to 156,596 confirmed cases, including 1,119 deaths and 115,122 recoveries.

The ministry said 519 patients were in critical condition, while 144 others were on respirators.

Over the past week, Israel recorded its highest rates of infections since the outbreak reached the country in March.

The Israeli government on Sunday approved a comprehensive three-week lockdown starting next Friday in an attempt to limit spread of the virus.

Since first being detected in Wuhan, China in December, COVID-19 has claimed more than 924,000 lives in 188 countries and regions.

The US, India and Brazil are currently the worst-hit countries.

Over 29 million cases have been reported worldwide, with recoveries exceeding 19.6 million, according to figures compiled by US-based Johns Hopkins University.