Israel marks its 72nd Independence Day under COVID-19 lockdown


PTI, Apr 29, 2020, 4:17 PM IST

Jerusalem: Israelis celebrated their Independence Day at home Wednesday, April 29 amid a nationwide lockdown aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

The national holiday, which honors the creation of Israel after the end of the British Mandate in 1948, is usually a festive occasion, with people heading to the beach, hosting barbecues, and watching fireworks.

This year, however, the government has banned public gatherings and ordered people to remain within 100 meters (yards) of their homes unless they require medication or have other vital needs. Public transportation has been shut down and police are manning roadblocks to prevent travel.

The Israeli air force devoted its annual fly-by to health workers, with planes crisscrossing the nation and performing aerial acrobatics over hospitals and medical centers. Other events were to be broadcast online, with no live audience.

Israel has reported more than 15,700 cases and at least 210 deaths from the coronavirus.

The virus causes mild to moderate symptoms in most patients but can cause severe illness or death, particularly in elderly patients and those with underlying health problems.

Israel imposed sweeping restrictions on movement and ordered most businesses to close in mid-March. It has recently begun easing those restrictions as the rate of new infections appears to have stabilized.

The Independence Day lockdown is set to be lifted Wednesday night. Most shops will then be allowed to reopen, provided they meet regulations on social distancing and hygiene. People are required to wear masks in public places.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Cong asks PM Modi why Gujarat’s white onion farmers given preferential treatment

Kharge slams Fadnavis, says people of Maharashtra will give a befitting reply to BJP

Doctors report treating ‘petticoat cancer’ in women who might have tied sarees tightly at waist

Incentive fund for SC/ST students of national institutes increased, says Minister Mahadevappa

Terminal 2 of Bengaluru airport gets 4,000 sqft hydroponic green wall

Waqf properties row: JPC Chairman receives over 500 petitions from aggrieved farmers in Karnataka

Asaduddin Owaisi questions Waqf Bill JPC Chairman’s Karnataka visit

Related Articles More

‘America of your dreams calling’: Biden to Democratic supporters

Indian consulate in Canada cancels consular camps due over security issues

Hindu temple in Brampton suspends priest for spreading ‘violent rhetoric’

President Xi congratulates Trump; says China, US should find ‘right way’ to manage differences

Harris, Trump agree on importance of unifying country as they speak over phone

MUST WATCH

Gho Pooja in Deepavali Festival

Melukote Deepavali

Ganapathi Co-operative Society Ltd

Udayavani Chinnara Banna 2024

Annapoorna Aahar | Food Places In Mysore


Latest Additions

Channapatna By-election: HDK releases audio of D K Suresh’s comments on Yogeeshwar

Cong asks PM Modi why Gujarat’s white onion farmers given preferential treatment

85,000 beneficiaries utilize “re-link” service in Gruha Jyothi Scheme

B’luru: Doctor, nurse allegedly misbehave with female patient under influence of alcohol

M’luru: Trio sentenced to life imprisonment for rape & murder of 8-yo girl

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.