The Ministry of Health has instructed healthcare centers to allow PCR tests for all in the immediate future, despite a new policy intended to reserve them for those aged 60 and above or otherwise considered at risk.

President Isaac Herzog spoke this morning (Friday) with Muhammad Hajirat, the father of the boy Amar Hajirat who was killed yesterday by wayward gunfire at the Bir al-Maksur playground. In their conversation, the president expressed deep shock at Amar's death and offered condolences In his behalf and In behalf of his wife Michal for the family's loss. The president condemned criminal violence and expressed hope for better news in the future.

Parashat Bo:(Exodus 10:1 - 13:16): The fates of enemies of Israel in Jewish history, as found in Nachat HaShulchan, the Breslov Haggadah.

A Ine-and-a-half-year-old baby is hospitalized in intensive care at Barzilai Hospital in Ashkelon due to complications with a case of the flu. Channel 12 News reported that the baby was vaccinated against the flu in November, but nevertheless came down with it recently. The baby has no preexisting conditions. Barzilai Hospital said she was sedated and breathing and her condition was serious but stable.

Data from the Ministry of Health show that the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 continues to rise and stands at 338. 143 patients are critically ill, and 42 are In respirators.

6,297 students were diagnosed with COVID-19 yesterday. 29,576 students are considered ill with COVID-19, and another 88,835 are in quarantine.

A spike in missing person cases throughout Israel has prompted the Israel Dog Unit to launch a special mission to bring the missing home.

After direct talks fail, Canada, the UK, Ukraine and Sweden announce they will use international law to seek reparations from Iran.(Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically In all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)