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dpa
Tel Aviv
Israeli authorities were guarding against a feared spike in coronavirus cases on the eve of the Jewish festival of Purim on Thursday.
A night curfew was due from 8:30 pm until 5 am on Thursday, Friday and
Saturday. 
“We expect the public to stay at home and not hold [superspreader] parties, events or gatherings,” said a senior police official, Yogev Atias, in remarks broadcast on public radio.  Police would be deployed in large numbers to enforce the curfew, he said.
Violations carry a fine of 500 Israeli shekels (150 US dollars).   Hundreds nevertheless attended street parties throughout the country late on Wednesday, including one documented in Tel Aviv, with many party-goers in costumes dancing close together, without masks.
“Whoever celebrated at the street party yesterday is scorning public health and our supreme efforts to curb the pandemic,” condemned Tel Aviv mayor Ron Huldai.  Purim usually involves large fancy dress parties across the country for both children and adults.
Last year, a mass outbreak of coronavirus infections followed the holiday.  The curfew rules require residents to stay within 1 kilometre of their home during these hours and prohibit them from visiting anyone else’s residence.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu late on Wednesday announced that Israel’s massive vaccination campaign would enable the country to emerge from the pandemic in April. 
Health officials however expressed skepticism, as the infection ‘R’ number in Israel remains close to 1, meaning one person on average infects one other.   
Israel is headed to an unprecedented fourth parliamentary election in two years on March 23. Netanyahu hopes an early relief will boost his chances.
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26/02/2021
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