Palestine recorded 653 new coronavirus cases and 10 deaths during the past 24 hours, according to the Health Ministry.
The highest number of new infections were reported in Gaza Strip, amounting to 310, according to a statement by Palestinian Health Minister Mai Alkaila.
The minister also said that 40 people are in the Intensive Care Unit, including nine on ventilators, stressing that the number of actual COVID-19 cases in Palestine is three times the numbers that are being announced.
Speaking to the Voice of Palestine official radio station, she said the infection spreading in Palestine, especially in Nablus and Salfit governorates in the West Bank.
The minister attributed this surge in cases to negligence, saying that people are not abiding by the preventive measures and continue to hold events and wedding celebrations.
“Palestine is heading towards a more difficult period if the situation remains unchanged,” she warned.
Kaila pointed out that the COVID-19 vaccine being developed by Pfizer, pending approval by the World Health Organization, will be obtained by Palestine through the COVAX Facility that provides vaccines to low-income countries, such as Palestine, which is a member of the organization.
According to the official figures published by the Health Ministry, the total number of infections has hit 74, 350 since March, including 65,561 recoveries and 634 deaths.
