Israel is imposing weekend restrictions to limit the spread of the virus.

From 17:00 on Friday (14:00 GMT) until 05:00 on Sunday, the start of the Israeli working week, only essential shops will be allowed to open, gyms will close and restaurants will operate a takeaway or delivery service.

Hairdressers, zoos, markets and tourist sites will also shut.

Gatherings of more than 10 people in closed spaces and 20 outside will be banned.

Beaches will also close on weekends from 24 July.

The restrictions will apply for every weekend until further notice, a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the health ministry said.

It added that the decision was to “prevent a general lockdown in light of the sharp increase in the morbidity of the coronavirus”.

Daily cases of the virus have spiked this month. On Thursday, Israel confirmed a record 1,939 cases.