Israel Is Going Under A Second Coronavirus Lockdown

Israel is entering a new shutdown starting Friday, coinciding with the Jewish high holiday season. Prime Minister Netanyahu announced that schools, restaurants, and other venues will close for at least three weeks, while essential businesses like pharmacies and grocery stores will remain open. The first shutdown helped reduce infections but led to high unemployment. The government approved the latest measures, which may be relaxed as infections decrease. Israel has faced one of the worst COVID-19 outbreaks, with 150,000 cases in a population of 9 million.

What was the impact of the country's first shutdown on infection numbers and unemployment?

What is the current status of COVID-19 cases in Israel as mentioned in the text?