Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Monday that the government has decided on lifting more restrictions and the reopening the economy after new COVID-19 cases dropped consistently.
"Our early measures that included closing the borders and imposing closures and stay at home orders have resulted in a low death rate that is studied by other countries," Netanyahu said.
If Israelis maintain social distancing, personal hygiene, and wear masks, the PM said he believed the spread of the virus would be contained.
Netanyahu said three indicators will be monitored to determine whether a new wave of COVID-19 poses a threat.
- If there are 100 new cases confirmed per day in areas that are not identified as hotspots.
-If the number of COVID-19 cases multiplies every 10 days.
-If there are more than 250 seriously ill people at one time.
If any of those indicators are confirmed, the government will re-evaluate its policies.
The prime minister said there will no longer be a restriction on people leaving their homes and people are free to travel anywhere.
They can also meet with close family members but social distancing should still be observed.
People will be allowed to congregate in groups of up to 20, that number will rise to 50 in two weeks and by the end of May 100 people will be allowed to congregate in one place outdoors and while maintaining guidelines of a 2-meter space and the use of facial masks.
Sporting activity will gradually be allowed to resume.
All educational establishments will be opened by June 14 with Kindergartens reopening Sunday.
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Children board a school bus in southern Israel
(Photo: Central Arava regional council)
Summer vacation will be cut by nine days to make up for some of the time lost because of the coronavirus lockdowns.
Ministers deliberated for nine hours on Monday to decide on the measures to open the economy.
Shopping malls and markets will reopen on Thursday under certain distancing restrictions, gyms, libraries, and some maritime sports will be allowed to resume.
Many restrictions were already lifted last week with businesses resuming their activities and an increase in the number of public service employees allowed back to work.
Netanyahu also announced financial aid to small businesses and the unemployed will be made available directly from the government using the income tax infrastructure after government loans that were to be delivered vial banks were not efficiently dispensed.
First published: 21:58, 05.04.20