Infection rate and virus' R number also rise; ministers okay Health Ministry's decision to ban travel to U.S., Canada and nine other countries; Horowitz calls on parents to 'take responsibility' and vaccinate their children

Speaking at Knesset committee, Prof. Salman Zarka says new strain has been in waste systems of Harish, Nesher, Netanya and Ashdod; adds officials will meet to debate caps on public gatherings