Israel has ordered a nationwide lockdown to deal with an increase in coronavirus cases. The new rules are to take effect Friday at the start of the Jewish High Holiday season. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the move on Sunday. Schools, restaurants, market areas and hotels will close as part of the lockdown. Israelis will also face restrictions on movement and gatherings. "I know that these steps come at a difficult price for all of us,” Netanyahu told the nation. “This is not the holiday we are used to. The new lockdown will remain in place for at least three weeks. Israel already had a lengthy lockdown in the spring. The move brought down infection numbers but also hurt the country's economy, with many people losing jobs.
