Israelis will be able to enjoy shows performances once again as the culture and health ministries have reached an agreement to allow performances in a "drive-in" format for up to 200 private vehicles at a time.
The decision came after an appeal to the Health Ministry from Culture Minister Hili Tropper, who has been trying to get Israel's cultural scene back on track amid the pandemic.
According to the deputy head of the Health Ministry, Prof. Itamar Grotto, it will be possible to hold live performances in open spaces, with the certain restrictions.
Tickets will be purchasable online only, there will be an usher for every 20 cars on the premises, and each vehicle must be at least 2 meters from other cars.
The Health Ministry has also determined that use of bathrooms on site must be coordinated with ushers, and only one family will be allowed to use the facilities at a time. The sale of refreshments to the audience will also be prohibited,
Audience members wear masks at a performance in Tel Aviv before the second wave of the virus hit
(Photo: Moti Kimchi)
For the show members themselves, only 10 people will be allowed on stage at one time and performers will wear masks throughout the entire show - excluding members of the woodwind section, who must maintain a distance of at least seven meters from the rest of the performers.
According to the Culture Ministry, the decision is not subject to government approval and can go into effect immediately.
Artists and theater staff protest in Jerusalem over the handling of the coronavirus pandemic
(Photo: Alex Kolomoisky)
Israel's cultural scene, in particular live performances, has suffered greatly during the coronavirus pandemic.
While the country's cultural industry reopened for a very brief period between the first and second waves of the virus, it shit down completely at the start of the second wave.
Many artists and theater staff have taken part in public protests over the government's handling of the economic crisis caused by the pandemic, saying they can no longer make a living.