Schools in Israel reopen amid coronavirus measures

Israel opened its new school year while facing a persistently high COVID-19 infection rate, with restrictions in place to try to prevent the spread of the virus.

Classes began Tuesday in most of the country, with an estimated 2.4 million students returning to school.

But for 23 communities classified by the health ministry as outbreak epicentres, reopening will be delayed.

Students from third grade and up are required to wear masks in the classroom.

Class sizes for most grades will be limited to 18 students.

Middle and high school students will study in the classroom only twice a week, with the remainder of lessons held digitally.

Israel has recorded over 116,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus since the start of the pandemic.

At least 939 people have died of the disease.

The country saw a major spike in new cases after it reopened schools following the nationwide lockdown in May.

(Image Credit Pixabay)