Israel has closed its schools a day before entering a second country-wide coronavirus lockdown as daily infections topped 4500.
The initial lockdown was imposed in late March and eased in May, when the number of new cases dropped to about 20 a day.
Israeli leaders have acknowledged they lifted restrictions too soon, hoping to avoid further economic damage.
The new lockdown, due to last three weeks, coincides with the start of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana, traditionally a time for large family gatherings.
Catching parents off-guard and trying to prevent further infections in schools, Israeli authorities decided late on Wednesday to close classrooms on Thursday, a day earlier than planned.
Teachers shifted to online lessons while children lamented not being able to hang out with friends just weeks after the school year started.
“I began first grade, I met new friends and suddenly corona comes and we have to stay home,” said Aviv Harel, whose family was taking
Read the article by Dedi Hayoun in The Canberra Times.