Netanyahu ‘gradually’ rolls back coronavirus restrictions

[Gaon]

"Corona won't defeat us," said the prime minister on Saturday evening, "gradually" easing Israel's COVID-19 restrictions on commerce and gatherings.



On Saturday evening, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation, announcing the beginning of Israel's plan to lift restrictions put in place to stop the spread of the coronavirus.



Specifically, Netanyahu announced a 10-point plan to relax nationwide restrictions on businesses, stores and gatherings for sports and prayer.



In addition to introducing a "purple badge" safety certification process for businesses that seek to reopen, Netanyahu also increased the percentage of employees (30 percent) permitted at workplaces and announced certain types of freestanding stores will be permitted to reopen, including those that sell appliances, household goods, and eye glasses, among others. Malls and open-air markets will remain closed.



Under the new regulations, sports will also be permitted in pairs and outdoor public prayers in groups of up to 10 will also be permitted, provided worshipers maintain distances of at least two meters (six feet).



The Cabinet will vote on the measures on Saturday night, and is expected to approve the steps. It appears that the new rules will take effect either Sunday or Monday.



Netanyahu lauded Israel for its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has received praise in the "coronavirus war," comparing its statistics to those of countries hit far harder by the deadly virus.



Netanyahu also referenced attempts to form a unity government with his political rival Benny Gantz, in addition to making an appeal to Israeli citizens who observe Ramadan to limit gatherings to immediate family.



Siman-Tov also requested that Israelis over the age of 67 not return to work, reiterating Netanyahu's comments about protecting senior citizens and the facilities in which they live.



Siman-Tov added that Israelis must continue to observe social distancing requirements and wash hands regularly, in addition to other necessary precautions such as wearing face masks in public places.



Both Netanyahu an Siman-Tov warned that Israelis would see a return to stricter restrictions if the rate of infections spikes or workplaces refuse to adhere to the new regulations.



As of Saturday evening, there were over 13,200 cases of coronavirus in Israel, with 164 deaths.



Prior to Passover, Israel instituted a nationwide curfew on the first night of the holiday and a travel ban that prevented gatherings of people who did not currently reside in the same dwelling. This left a significant number of Israelis spending the Passover seder by themselves on a night that is traditionally a time for large family gatherings.

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It's still restrictive, but it's a start. British Columbia needs to start opening up soon too.

[Anonymous]

Canada and the USA want to remain on lock down until we turn into a couple of Venezuelas.

[Gaon]

Canada and the USA want to remain on lock down until we turn into a couple of Venezuelas.

British Columbia could allow a partial reopening now. We are on the other side of the curve.

[Anonymous]

Canada and the USA want to remain on lock down until we turn into a couple of Venezuelas.

British Columbia could allow a partial reopening now. We are on the other side of the curve.

Before they permanently destroy the economy? Not a chance.

[Anonymous]

Netanyahu also increased the percentage of employees (30 percent) permitted at workplaces

Seventy per cent of workers cannot return to work. That does not sound like much a reopening to me.