Public transport in Israel will stop entirely on weekends and after 8pm on weekdays as part of an effort to mitigate the coronavirus spread.

In a new directive issued on Tuesday, the Health Ministry said people should not to leave their homes unless they have to seek “vital needs and services” such as seeking medical attention.

It said that parks, beaches and shopping centres were now off-limits, and that Israelis would be permitted to shop for food only if they had no delivery options.

“There should be no leaving home except for situations that would obligate it,” the ministry said in a statement.

Outdoor exercise will be permitted for 10 minutes daily if no other people are nearby.

Israeli police are now authorised to levy 5,000-shekel fines (£1,070) who violate the restrictions, although officials said they would only be issued with discretion.

324 Israelis have tested positive for coronavirus as of Tuesday afternoon, but thousands have been placed into isolation as a precaution. Health authorities have said the majority of confirmed cases are mild.

There have been 41 cases diagnosed in the West Bank.