Israel toughens second lockdown as virus cases surge

JERUSALEM AFP, 24 Sept, 2020-   Israel toughened its coronavirus measures on Thursday as a second nationwide lockdown failed to bring down the world’s highest infection rate a week after it was imposed.   

The new rules will close the vast majority of workplaces, shutter markets and further limit prayers and demonstrations.    “Over the past two days, we’ve heard from experts that if we don’t take immediate and harsh measures, we’ll reach an abyss,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late Wednesday, at the start of a cabinet meeting to thrash out the new measures.