Senior health officials have estimated that when Israel has 1,200-1,500 coronavirus patients who are hospitalized in serious condition, a complete lockdown will be necessary due to concerns that the hospitals will collapse, Kan 11 News reported Saturday.

Healthcare officials estimate that even though the Omicron variant is less virulent than the Delta variant, because it spreads so quickly, Israel may see 250-300 serious cases per day. It is also estimated that Israel will reach that stage within about four weeks.