TEL AVIV—Israel ordered all nonessential businesses and synagogues to close starting Friday, tightening restrictions a week after imposing a second nationwide lockdown as the government struggles to contain a resurgent coronavirus outbreak.
Under the new measures, which will last at least through Oct. 10, all private businesses except those considered vital—such as supermarkets and pharmacies—will be closed. Residents will also have to remain within a one-kilometer radius from their homes.
The lockdown imposed last Friday shut down businesses that cater to the public, including gyms and restaurants. But a majority of private businesses in Israel were allowed to stay open and employees permitted to travel to work. Synagogues were allowed to open with limited capacity.
The tightened restrictions come after Israel recorded nearly 14,000 new infections in the past 48 hours.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the second lockdown this week, saying at the start of a late-night cabinet meeting on Wednesday that Israel was facing “a moment of truth” with morbidity rates and severe cases rapidly increasing.