The government of Israel decided on Sunday to implement a national lockdown, in an effort to stop the drastically rising number of new Corona cases. Last night, the government approved and delineated specific regulations which will be imposed for the next three weeks. The rules will take effect from 2 PM on Friday, Erev Rosh Hashana.
Here are some of the general guidelines:
- Leaving one’s premises:
- One is permitted to leave one’s house for a distance of 1000 meters, including to enter a city park or playground.
- One is permitted to travel further than 1000 meters from one’s house for the following purposes:
- Going to place of employment
- Purchasing food, medicine and other vital items and services
- Receiving medical or psychological care
- Assisting a disabled or distressed individual
- Taking part in a bris or ח”ו a funeral
- Attending a women’s mikveh
- Bringing a special needs child to his educational facility
- Driving to Ben Gurion airport within 8 hours of one’s flight
- Transferring a minor between parents who are separated/divorced
- Performing exercise/sports
- Taking part in a demonstration or donating blood
Between the dates of September 23rd (5 Tishrei) and October 1st (13 Tishrei), one is permitted to exit his house freely in order to make purchases related to the mitzvos of Succos, ie. to purchase arbah minim, items for building a succah and to do Kapparos.
Therefore, stores and places that sell the above will be open to the public during those days.
2. Visits
One is NOT permitted to stay in the house of another person, unless for a permitted purpose, as listed above.
3. Business and pleasure:
The following must remain closed:
- All stores, businesses that receive the public, restaurants, pools, gyms, hair salons and hotels
- Stores that sell the following may be open, even if located in a mall: Food, glasses and optical supplies, medication and personal hygiene, hardware, dry cleaning, communication items and computers
- Banks and post offices will remain open. Check before going.
5. Shuls
- In a “red” area – up to 2 entrances: 30 people;
Another 20 people for each extra entrance
- In an “orange” area – 50 people for each entrance
6. Public Transportation
- City buses – regular bus: 32 passengers; accordion bus: 50 passengers,
No standing behind the driver
- Intercity buses – 30 passengers, no standing allowed
- Taxis – one passenger; two passengers if the passenger needs accompaniment; passengers must sit in the back seat only
- On all forms of public transportation, windows must be kept open and eating is forbidden.
- There will be inspectors on the buses enforcing these rules.
7. Work in the Private Sector
Privately run offices who do not receive the public can work as usual, following general Corona guidelines.
8. Government Offices
Government offices will work at 50% capacity or up to 10 employees maximum.
This limit may be increased by government rule if need be.