Health Ministry inspectors speak with a woman in self-quarantine as a precaution against coronavirus spread in Hadera, Israel, March 16, 2020. Photo: Reuters / Ronen Zvulun.

JNS.org – Israel’s Ministry of Health said on Tuesday morning that the number of Israelis diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus has risen to 1,656, an increase of 214 cases since Monday evening.

According to the ministry, 31 patients are in serious condition, 47 are in moderate condition and 1,528 in mild condition. There have been 49 recoveries and one death.

Meanwhile, the government is expected on Tuesday to approve new, harsher restrictions in its efforts to stop the spread of the virus.

On Monday evening, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered a “dramatic increase in enforcement of orders restricting public movement,” which according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office would be in effect for seven days from the time it is approved.

Following a lengthy meeting, Netanyahu, with senior Cabinet ministers and health officials, announced that under the new directives, Israelis will be unable to leave their homes, except to purchase food and medical supplies or for vital work. Exercise and dog walking will be limited to a distance of 100-165 feet from one’s home.

According to Israeli media reports, the Israel Defense Forces is preparing a 2,000-strong force of unarmed troops to help the Israel Police enforce the lockdown.