Israel imposes complete lockdown ahead of Passover

The Israeli government tightened restrictions to contain spread of the coronavirus ahead of Jewish holiday of Passover which begins Wednesday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a complete shutdown will be imposed from 4 p.m. Tuesday (1300GMT) to 7 a.m. (1600GMT) Friday and police declared a ”Safe Spring” security plan to implement curfew.

Authorities said police will start observing the measures, including a ban of gatherings and preserving safe social distances.

Health authorities said the hotspot for the virus was among the ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities, Anadolu Agency reported.

At least 9,248 Israelis have tested positive for the coronavirus and 65 have died so far.