What's the government response timeline for Israel?

From Jan 23 - first policy document from the health ministry on examining people with symptoms coming back from China. Policy gradually expanded to inspect people with symptoms and eligible based initially on further "suspect" countries, contact with confirmed cases, etc. https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5664783,00.html https://ia601403.us.archive.org/22/items/23.3.20/%D7%97%D7%95%D7%96%D7%A8%205.3.20.pdf

From Jan 23 - first policy document from the health ministry on examining people with symptoms coming back from China. Policy gradually expanded to inspect people with symptoms and eligible based initially on further "suspect" countries, contact with confirmed cases, etc. https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5664783,00.html https://ia601403.us.archive.org/22/items/23.3.20/%D7%97%D7%95%D7%96%D7%A8%205.3.20.pdf

Jan 26 - advice to avoid travel to China. Starting by Jan 27, the minister of Health signed an order adding the COVID-19 to the contagious disease Israeli list, stating 'this is not a state of emergency, but preparedness for every scenario... It allows them [the staff] to take every measure needed to combat a spread in Israel". At this point the advice is on avoiding travel to high-risk regions and raising awareness to symptoms and risk. https://www.kan.org.il/Item/?itemId=65663 https://www.israelhayom.co.il/article/728107

Entry ban for non-residents who've been to China from this point onward. https://www.gov.il/he/departments/news/aerial_borders_for_foreigners_coming_from_china_will_be_closed_due-to_coronavirus

PM Netanyahu talked about preparedness for the virus in Israel, ordered the Biological Institute to start working on a vaccine, adding "our goal is to delay the arrival of the virus - the eventual spread is inevitable". This marks a transition to urging caution not based on arrival from designated areas (thus 1T turns to 1G). https://news.walla.co.il/item/3338502

The coronavirus was communicated by the government and media since late January, but official awareness campaign by ads was launched on Feb 9: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19IGaFdDvt4

Entry ban expanded from China to include also Thailand, Hong Kong, Macao and Singapore. https://www.gov.il/he/departments/news/closing_borders_for_foreigners_who_stayd_in_thailand_hongkong_makao_singapur

Entry ban expanded to Japan and South Korea. https://www.gov.il/he/departments/news/closing_borders_for_foreigners_who_stayed_in_japan_and_south_korea

Entry ban expanded to Italy. https://www.gov.il/he/departments/news/closing_borders_for_foreigners_who_stayed_in_italy

Cancel events with over 5,000 people https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-dramatically-widens-coronavirus-rules-adds-eu-nations-to-quarantine-list/

Mar 4: prohibiting events of 5000+ people. https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5688829,00.html 10 Mar: prohibiting events of 2000+ people https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5692162,00.html

Entry ban expanded to include France, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Spain. https://www.gov.il/he/departments/news/coronavirus_update_04032020

Finance Ministry opened a special loan facility for struggling companies to receive support from the State Guarantee Fund for Small Businesses. The facility is primarily aimed at SMEs. It provides working capital loans of up to 5 years to a maximum of NIS 500 000 or up to 8% of the company’s last annual turnover, with options to defer payment for half a year. Banks are expected to provide credit approval within nine working days. https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2020/04/israel-government-and-institution-measures-in-response-to-covid.html

Changed to anything>2,000 people is not allowed -- https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5692162,00.html

Changed to anything>100 people is not allowed -- https://www.themarker.com/news/health/1.8664616

Prohibiting events of 100+ people, starting Mar 12. https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5693014,00.html

Banning entrance of foreigners from every country. An exception is if that foreigner has managed to proved at an Israeli local consulate/embassy an ability to land directly into private quarantine, de-facto enacting a complete border closure at this point. https://www.gov.il/he/departments/news/coronavirus_update_12032020_1

Contemplated on whether to define it as 1 or 2 - since Mar 12 criteria expanded in various sections, including eligibility for anyone with *harsh* symptoms, but since a person could have all of the symptoms in a mild manner and not be eligible for testing, I see it as 1 (symptomatic and eligible). https://archive.org/download/23.3.20/%D7%97%D7%95%D7%96%D7%A8%2012.3.20.pdf https://www.health.gov.il/Subjects/disease/corona/Documents/coronavirus_med_guidelines.pdf

Selective reach-out to contacts who came in touch with confirmed carriers, based on epidemiological reports, starting Mar 12. https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache%3AUVIz2aQXDiYJ%3A https%3A%2F%2Fwww.health.gov.il%2FNewsAndEvents%2FSpokemanMesseges%2FPages%2F12032020_04.aspx+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=uk&lr=lang_en%7Clang_iw

"Israel closes schools, universities as Netanyahu issues dire coronavirus warning" https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-closes-schools-universities-as-netanyahu-issues-dire-coronavirus-warning/

"Sunday morning will see public life further diminished, with the closure of all cafes, restaurants, hotels, malls, movie theaters, gyms, event halls and the like. It was implied that all nonessential shops would close, though not specifically stated. But Netanyahu stressed that supermarkets, pharmacies, banks and other essentials services would continue to function." https://www.timesofisrael.com/pm-says-all-leisure-venues-to-shut-urges-israel-to-adjust-to-new-way-of-life/

Gatherings of above 10 people are banned - meaning in practice all public events are cancelled. https://www.timesofisrael.com/no-more-daycare-restaurants-gyms-or-prayer-quorums-the-new-virus-regulations/

"It highlighted that the ban against congregating in groups larger than 10 extended to gatherings for religious activities — the minimum number of men for an Orthodox prayer quorum, or “minyan,” is 10 — and mandated that people participating in such activities maintain a distance of at least two meters from one another." -- https://www.timesofisrael.com/no-more-daycare-restaurants-gyms-or-prayer-quorums-the-new-virus-regulations/

No direct restrictions, but the government is asking the public to use public transportation less, and drivers are not taking

"[The Health Ministry] recommended that people refrain as much as possible from using public transportation." https://www.timesofisrael.com/no-more-daycare-restaurants-gyms-or-prayer-quorums-the-new-virus-regulations/

the government announced further measures of importance to SMEs, which include (alongside measures to enhance access to loans already announced): Advance of payments to small and medium government suppliers; Postponement of self-employed, small and medium business mandatory payments; Furthermore, a number of other policy measures are currently in place: Reducing the level of collateral for businesses (while increasing government guarantees at the same time) in the Small and Medium Business Fund from 25% to only 10% for any business that submits a signed statement regarding damages from the Coronavirus. The fund's credit line will be increased to four billion NIS. A support package of 10 billion NIS to SMEs, mostly through the State guarantee Fund to SMEs, to finance working capital in view of cash flow difficulties: State guarantees increased to 85% of the loan amount Reduced collateral up to 10% Longer repayment period up to 5 years Shortened loan approval at the bank – up to 9 working days Loan up to 500 000 NIS or 8% of the company’s annual revenue (the highest between the two) https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2020/04/israel-government-and-institution-measures-in-response-to-covid.html

Mar 17: instructions to avoid public spaces and remain home unless going for (approved places of) work or buy groceries. This was marked as 1 rather than 2 because at this point (until Mar 20), the public adherence was partial and it was clarified that these instructions are not enforced by the police and are not emergency rules as they were not backed by an emergency government order yet. https://news.walla.co.il/item/3347162

In Mar 17 the first recommendations (/instructions with no enforcement measures) to refrain from leaving home were released, and in Mar 19 they were escalated to an enforced legal requirement by emergency orders. The first intercity restriction was only introduced first on Apr 3, and was targeted mostly - but given the existence of recommendations and requirements to not leave home unless necessary, I interpret it as a recommended restriction on internal movement as well. https://www.globes.co.il/news/article.aspx?did=1001322200

March 17 - emergency order allows ISA to track phones in Israel, establishing a contact-tracing sms-update system for anyone who crossed paths with a confirmed carrier. https://www.gov.il/he/departments/policies/dec4899_2020

From Hebrew: "The public sector moves to emergency mode, the private sector to reduced mode... The number of workers in private sector companies would be reduced by 70%". https://www.globes.co.il/news/article.aspx?did=1001322085 "The measures stopped short of a total national lockdown: Netanyahu said Israelis would still be allowed to shop for food and medicine, and some workers would be exempted. Israel has already banned the entry of foreigners into the country." https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-israel/israel-orders-citizens-to-stay-home-in-partial-lockdown-idUSKBN21622D

The measures from Mar 17 are regulated through emergency orders from this point, thus become an enforceable requirement. https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5698364,00.html

Israel also opened its first drive through testing but its ot opened for general public. Only suspected recommended by doctors can avail it. https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-opens-first-drive-through-coronavirus-testing-facility-in-tel-aviv/

Contemplated on whether to define it as 1 or 2 - since Mar 12 criteria expanded in various sections, including eligibility for anyone with *harsh* symptoms, but since a person could have all of the symptoms in a mild manner and not be eligible for testing, I see it as 1 (symptomatic and eligible). https://archive.org/download/23.3.20/%D7%97%D7%95%D7%96%D7%A8%2012.3.20.pdf https://www.health.gov.il/Subjects/disease/corona/Documents/coronavirus_med_guidelines.pdf

From Hebrew: "Public transportation would be reduced to 25%". https://news.walla.co.il/item/3348555 Note - I am conflicted on tagging it as 1, as this is a significant reduction and the limitations on internal movement and work make it so public transportation is de-facto not accessible for most of the public. However, given the prior advice from the team (sent by email to me and Maurice on Apr 18) it is currently marked as 1G.

"New virus rules keeping people within 100 meters of home go into effect" https://www.timesofisrael.com/from-5-p-m-wednesday-no-walks-farther-than-100-m-from-home-synagogues-shut/

Restriction on gathering of up to only two people if not from the same family. https://www.calcalist.co.il/local/articles/0,7340,L-3804919,00.html

Up to NIS 6000 in March and NIS 8000 in April, also for self-employed (Source 1). The grant will only apply to people whose average monthly income is over NIS 2,000 ($550), and under NIS 20,000 ($5,500), and over age 20. Recipients will receive 65% of their average monthly income, but no more than NIS 6,000 ($1,640). Self-employed people who make NIS 16,000-20,000 ($4,400-5,500) per month will receive NIS 3,000 ($820). (Source 2) Source 1 https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/uk/Documents/corporate-nance/deloitte-global-covid19-government-response-080420.pdf Source 2 https://www.timesofisrael.com/israelis-will-not-receive-unemployment-benefits-and-stipends-before-passover/

"The foregoing is for non-essential workplaces: No more than ten employees or 15% of the work force, whichever is highest, shall be in a place of work at one time." https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/spoke_finance310320

Apr 3-16 - Lockdown on Bnei Brak (Ultra-Orthodox populated city in central Israel), restricting movement in and out of the city due to it being a breakout centre. https://www.timesofisrael.com/bnei-brak-lockdown-tightens-in-bid-to-head-off-much-worse-crisis

Apr 7-10: Passover holiday national lockdown, restricting intercity travel. https://www.timesofisrael.com/passover-closure-comes-into-effect-with-all-intercity-travel-banned/

"In a tighter curfew coinciding with the Passover Seder, from Wednesday at 3 p.m. until Thursday at 7 a.m., Israelis will be banned from venturing out farther than 100 meters from their homes and all businesses in the country will be shut." https://www.timesofisrael.com/passover-closure-comes-into-effect-with-all-intercity-travel-banned/

Status is confirmed. Large variation from 2T to 2G over the Jewish Holidays, and differeing regional lockdowns. http://archive.fo/wip/FJPj3

Due to the "second holiday" of Passover and the risk of family gatherings, stricter-than-usual restrictions were put on Apr 14-16, prohibiting inter-city travel and restricting outside movement to 100 meters for a short brief, with more stores closed. "At the end of the holiday, the public could equip again with food and drugs, and bakeries would open at Thursday morning". https://news.walla.co.il/item/3351758

Apr 14-16: "second Passover"/Mimouna holiday lockdown-closure, restricting intercity travel. https://www.timesofisrael.com/cabinet-green-lights-nationwide-lockdown-for-end-of-passover-mimouna/

Apr 17-24: Lockdown/closure on Deir-al-Assad and Bi'ina, Arab towns in northern Israel, due to high infections rate. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/deir-al-asad-biina-placed-under-coronavirus-lockdown-625023

School remain closed, but on April 26th there's a scheduled government discussion on further relief of measures, with primary talk on returning schools. Also, from Apr 26th Special Education is running on a reduced manner (up to 3 kids a group) - but given the specificity of that, I think a mark of 3 is more appropriate. https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5720385,00.html

This was changed from 2T to 2G - I found the note that "some exceptions made for independence day celebrations" to be inaccurate, as all independence day ceremonies were held with no audience and on a limited basis, plus memorial day included some more strict lockdown measures to prevent families from overcrowding cemeteries. https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-israel-to-hold-memorial-day-ceremonies-without-audience-amid-covid-19-restrictions-1.8801169 "Israel Holds Memorial Day Ceremonies Without Audience Amid Coronavirus Restrictions. ... Defense officials call on the public to mark Memorial Day ‘at home and using digital means’ due to coronavirus crisis"

As of April 19th, some restrictions are being lifted. People are allowed to travel within 500m of their homes, but generally are advised to stay home unless necessary. http://archive.fo/wip/B6Jb7

Exemption for prayers in open-air - allowed to hold up to 19 people https://www.calcalist.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3809051,00.html

Exemption for prayers in open-air - allowed to hold up to 19 people https://www.calcalist.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-3809051,00.html

A gradual increase of bus lines and frequency of rides, as part of the relief of lockdown. Still significantly reduced from regular times and running only until 8pm, and no trains. "The new routine: the train won't return to work, bus lines would be increased" https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5717212,00.html

Further exemptions added: open-air weddings to hold up to 19 people, funerals 20 people, Bris/Brit Milah (circumcision ceremony for newborns) up to 10 people https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5720385,00.html

Further exemptions added: open-air weddings to hold up to 19 people, funerals 20 people, Bris/Brit Milah (circumcision ceremony for newborns) up to 10 people https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5720385,00.html

Taking place from Apr 26 in the morning (after being decided a couple of days earlier), more businesses would be allowed to operate: shops, open-air malls/shopping centres, take-away from restaurants, beauty and hair salons and aesthetic clinics. https://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-5720385,00.html

Apr 26-May 1: Closure of neighbourhoods in Beit Shemesh and Netivot https://www.timesofisrael.com/cabinet-orders-lockdowns-on-virus-hotspot-neighborhoods-in-beit-shemesh-netivot/

"The Ministry of Education will prepare for the gradual reopening of some schools and kindergartens beginning May 3" https://thehill.com/policy/international/494819-israel-looks-to-reopen-schools-in-easing-of-coronavirus-restrictions

Apr 28-29: Independence Day lockdown measures prohibiting intercity travel. https://www.jpost.com/health-science/police-prepare-to-lockdown-israel-for-independence-day-626183

Apr 30-May 3: Closure of neighbourhoods in Jerusalem and Hura (bedouin town in southern Israel) https://www.timesofisrael.com/cabinet-said-set-to-okay-lockdown-of-3-jerusalem-neighborhoods-parts-of-hura/

"Confusion abounds on whether Israeli children will return to school" https://www.jpost.com/health-science/will-israeli-schools-open-sunday-many-questions-still-to-be-answered-626400

"Classes resumed Sunday morning for grades 1 to 3 and 11-12 in some localities, even though there is still no arrangement for teachers who are either members of high-risk groups who must avoid coronavirus exposure, or who have small children who aren’t returning to school." -- https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-schools-in-israel-reopen-with-no-solution-for-teachers-at-high-risk-for-coronavirus-1.8817323

"The 500 meter-limit that Israelis may travel from their homes or workplaces to prayer was lifted, though the 19-person limit on group prayer in open areas remains in effect. The limit on the number of people who can attend a circumcision was raised from 10 to 19" -- https://www.timesofisrael.com/malls-libraries-gyms-and-zoos-the-businesses-that-can-reopen-under-new-rules/

More comprehensive framework for deferring loan payments announced by the Bank of Israel ann https://www.boi.org.il/en/NewsAndPublications/PressReleases/Pages/7-5-2020b.aspx

Some schools opened but attendance was short. Link: https://www.jta.org/2020/05/13/israel/the-entire-system-got-confused-israeli-schools-reopen-but-many-parents-arent-sending-their-kids-back

According to Jerusalem Post ,"The Education and Health ministries have agreed that middle schoolers will return to their classrooms next Sunday, May 17." This involves day care centers, preschools and kindergartens reopened to serve children up to age 6 as well, with more opening to come https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/israel-loosens-coronavirus-rules-on-returning-travelers-reopens-parks-627591

Restriction lightened on going to places of worship (50 people max), beaches and restaurants (100 people max) https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/coronavirus-openings-beaches-restaurants-entertainment-halls-and-more-628552

No restriction on number of bus passengers at peak times from 7-8:30 a.m. and 1-3 p.m in line with school openings https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/coronavirus-openings-beaches-restaurants-entertainment-halls-and-more-628552

Israel Freezes Bill Allowing Shin Bet Tracking of Coronavirus Patients Due to Agency's Objection https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-israel-freezes-law-allowing-shin-bet-tracking-of-coronavirus-patients-1.8905478

Israel brings back tracking system amid surge in Covid-19 cases web/20200702230122/ https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/25/israel-brings-back-tracking-system-amid-surge-in-covid-19-cases

Higher education: preference to online exams (except for cases the Ministry of Health and the Higher Education Council agreed upon). https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/29062020_01

Public sector work: 30% remote (in accordance with arrangements to be established by the Civil Service Commissioner pending administrative flexibility and the Director General). https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/29062020_01

Event halls and cultural performances: no more than 250 individuals https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/29062020_01

Weddings: Effective until July 10 2020: no more than 250 individuals. Visitors and event hall owners are requested to uphold guidance as much as possible outdoors. Effective until July 31 2020: no more than 250 individuals in an open space. Indoors: no more than 50% of occupancy and no more than 100 individuals. https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/29062020_01

Buses, trains, light rail or shuttle service: An empty row must be kept behind the driver There will be no more than a single person, sitting on a bench Standing passengers must maintain a distance of 2 meters from others It is the passenger’s responsibility not to use public transportation with fever, exceeding 38 degrees Celsius, cough, or breathing difficulty Intercity buses: 46 passengers max. (except the first row behind the driver, all seats can be used). City buses: 49 passengers max. Minibuses and shared taxis: 75 percent of the max. capacity permitted in the vehicle license. No passengers allowed to stand. Taxis: Up to 2 passengers in the back. Wash hands after each trip Windows shall be open during the trip The vehicle must be ventilated and its inner surfaces cleaned after each trip https://govextra.gov.il/ministry-of-health/corona/corona-virus-en/guidelines/

The following people should take care to avoid leaving home, hosting people at their home, except for essential services: https://govextra.gov.il/ministry-of-health/corona/corona-virus-en/guidelines/ The elderly Patients with chronic disease of any age Patients with persistent respiratory diseases, including asthma Patients with autoimmune diseases Patients with cardiovascular diseases Patients with diabetes Patients with diseases and conditions that may harm the immune system Patients with malignant diseases

Travel in a restricted area is permitted for the following cases only: Going to work or a job interview, and returning from work Getting food, medicines, and essential products and receiving essential services Receiving medical care Donating blood Attending Demonstrations Attending Legal proceedings Going to the Knesset Receiving welfare services Participating in sport activities alone or with the same partner each time, or with people who live together, up to 500 meters from the place of residence, or at a larger distance as defined by the Ministerial Committee Leaving a place of residence alone or with people who live together, for a short time, up to 100 meters from the place of residence, or at a larger distance as defined by the Ministerial Committee Going to Mikveh (ritual baths) Going to prayer services, funerals, brits, or weddings Receiving medical assistance for one’s self or assisting a person with difficulty or distress Transfer of a minor whose parents live separately between parents Transfer of a minor whose parents live separately when one parent is required for essential purposes as specified in the regulations, providing there is no other responsible supervision available for the minor https://govextra.gov.il/ministry-of-health/corona/corona-virus-en/guidelines/

"Israel’s contact tracing system said to be vastly overwhelmed by virus spread" https://www.timesofisrael.com/contact-tracing-system-vastly-overwhelmed-by-virus-spread-report/

On July 6 the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Health announced restrictions following a sharp rise in COVID-19 infections. With regards to summer school, summer camps and youth activities - only kindergarten through fourth grade will be permitted. The government authorizes the Director General of the Ministry of Health to make a decision on educational activities for grades 5 and up in consultation with the Minister of Education. https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/01_06072020

On July 6 the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Health announced restrictions following a sharp rise in COVID-19 infections. The work of Government Ministries and Government companies - at least 30% of staff should work from home, according to rules to be set by the Civil Service Commissioner. https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/01_06072020

On July 6 the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Health announced restrictions following a sharp rise in COVID-19 infections. These include closing event halls, clubs and bars and closing of cultural events. Also includes closing of gyms and public swimming pools. Houses of worship remain open with up to 19 people attending and other gatherings are permitted with up to 20 participants, 2 meters apart from each other while wearing masks. Restaurants are allowed to be open with a limit of up to 20 people in enclosed spaces and up to 30 people outdoors with distance between tables. Organized sporting events will only be possible without an audience, as before. https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/01_06072020

On July 6 the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Health announced restrictions following a sharp rise in COVID-19 infections. Other gatherings are allowed up to 20 participants, 2 meters apart from each other while wearing masks. It seems there are some exceptions like weddings, bar/bat mitsvahs, births, and funerals. https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/01_06072020

On July 6 the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Health announced restrictions following a sharp rise in COVID-19 infections. Up to 20 people will be allowed per bus. The Government authorizes the Minister of Transport to determine another number with the consent of the Minister of Health and the National Security Council (effective immediately). https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/01_06072020

The National Authority for Public Transport announced that as of Thursday, 09.07.2020, public transportation will operate under the following restrictions. -Occupancy of up to 50% of the seats -Public transport activity will end in the middle of the week at 22:00 -Public transportation will operate until the beginning of Shabbat and on Saturday evenings with up to 50% occupancy -The activity of main lines and during rush hours will be increased -Israel Railways will continue to operate in accordance with the existing outline of purchasing vouchers in advance -Buses leaving from the train complexes will continue to operate even after 22:00 -Following the agreement with the Ministry of Defense, IDF servants will only board private vehicles -It is mandatory to wear a mask while traveling https://www.gov.il/he/departments/news/updated_guidelines_on_public_transport_and_in_coordination_with_the_ministry_of_health

The Ministerial Committee on Declaring Restricted Zones has decided to declare the following areas as restricted zones for seven days, from 13:00 today (Friday, 10 July 2020) until 08:00 on Friday, 17 July 2020: 1) Beit Shemesh – the Nachala v'Menucha and Kneh Habosem neighborhoods 2) Jerusalem – the Romema, Kiryat Sanz v'Belz and Kiryat Mattersdorf neighborhoods 3) Lod – the Ganei Ha'ir and Sakh neighborhoods 4) Ramle – the Amidar Bilu neighborhood 5) Kiryat Malachi – Achuzat Rotner and the Chabad neighborhood The Ministerial Committee also decided to declare the Harakevet, Snir and Naveh Shalom neighborhoods in Lod as a restricted zone for an additional five days following the expiry of the previous declaration, from 13:00 today (Friday, 10 July 2020) until 08:00 on Wednesday, 15 July 2020. Entry into, and exit from, restricted zones will be limited as will be movement and business activity within the restricted zones. https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/spoke_restricted_zones100720

From 13 July the Ministry of Health announced that the following restrictions will be in place. All schools resume operation under restrictions; 2 meters between students, including during lunchtime, wearing masks, practicing hygiene. The higher education resumes full operation according to the Ministry of Education guidelines: 2 meters between students, wearing masks, practicing hygiene. If an area is declared a red zones, schools will be closed in that zone. Special education operate the same as the other schools, except nursing individuals: groups of 6. The higher education system will hold online exams (except special cases). High religious schools, religious schools (Midrasha) and Kolels will expand operation. Restrictions: No more than 50 participants, 2 meters distance between people (except physical activities), 2 meters distance can be kept on premise, and wearing masks. Extracurricular programs, youth movements, and informal education: Courses, ulpan, youth movement and informal education is permitted up to grade 4. Restrictions; up to 50 participants, maintaining a 2-meter person to person distance (except when carrying out activities that necessitate contact, such as sport activities), wearing masks, indoor activities – up to 50 people may participate, provided they maintain a distance of 2 meters, or alternately if they ensure that there will be no more than one person per 7 square meters, outdoor activities – up to 50 people may participate, while maintaining a distance of 2 meters. https://govextra.gov.il/ministry-of-health/corona/corona-virus-en/guidelines/

From 13 July the Ministry of Health announced that the following restrictions are in place. 30% of public sector employees will work from home (in accordance with arrangements to be set by the Civil Service Commissioner and given administrative flexibility of the office's Director General). Industries, manufacturers and service providers can increase their workforce to 30% max or up to 10 employees simultaneously in the place of work, whichever is higher. Places of work and businesses that satisfy the "purple badge" rules can have a bigger workforce (up to 100%), if they follow strict public health guidelines like 2 meter distance, temperature testing upon entry and restrictions on gatherings. 'Purple badge' businesses may include: restaurants, tourist attractions (but not water park rides), Mikvehs, places of worship, pools, gyms and fitness studios (but not sauna and hot tub), some museums. - Only two employees can share a room of up to 20 square meters - or a larger number of employees, if there is a partition between employees that prevents spreading of respiratory droplets. - A room that is larger than 20 square meters can accommodate no more than 5 employees or a larger number of employees if there is a partition between employees. - Meetings and conferences are permitted if there are no more than 50 employees in the same room, if social distancing is kept. If one of the employees becomes infected with the coronavirus in the workplace, all or part of the workplace will be closed until the Ministry of Health completes the epidemiological investigation. In addition, it is recommended that employees with background illnesses avoid physically arriving to the workplace. The Ministry of Health released guidelines for at risk populations. These guidelines are recommendations only, to clarify: at risk individuals are not forbidden to go to work or any other permitted activity as specified in Emergency Regulations. Businesses that are prohibited from activity include discos, bars or pubs, clubs, water parks, bathhouses, amusement parks and facilities, place for shows and fairs, cinemas, and theaters. https://govextra.gov.il/ministry-of-health/corona/corona-virus-en/guidelines/

From 13 July the Ministry of Health announced that the following restrictions are in place. Public gatherings of more than 20 individuals indoors or outdoors are not permitted. Masks must be worn every time residents go outside, with some exceptions: two meter social distancing, hand hygiene, and avoiding physical contact. https://govextra.gov.il/ministry-of-health/corona/corona-virus-en/guidelines/

From 13 July the Ministry of Health announced that the following restrictions are in place. Private or public gatherings of more than 20 individuals indoors or outdoors are not permitted. Masks must be worn every time residents go outside, with some exceptions: two meter social distancing, hand hygiene, and avoiding physical contact. https://govextra.gov.il/ministry-of-health/corona/corona-virus-en/guidelines/

From 13 July the Ministry of Health announced that the following restrictions are in place. The following people should take care to avoid leaving home, hosting people at their home, except for essential services: the elderly; patients with chronic disease of any age; patients with persistent respiratory diseases, including asthma; patients with autoimmune diseases; patients with cardiovascular diseases; patients with diabetes; patients with diseases and conditions that may harm the immune system; patients with malignant diseases. https://govextra.gov.il/ministry-of-health/corona/corona-virus-en/guidelines/

On 13 July the Cabinet approved the economic plan of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Yisrael Katz – 'Safety Net 2020-2021', which includes the following provisions. 1) Safety net for wage earners on unpaid leave Unemployment compensation benefits: Full unemployment compensation until the end of June 2021 or until unemployment drops below 10%. When unemployment is below 10%, unemployment compensation will drop to 75% of the unemployment allowance Adjustment stipend: Payment of adjustment stipends of up to NIS 4,000 per month to those aged 67 and over until December 2020. 2) Safety net for the self-employed and for businesses Unemployment compensation benefits Immediate assistance stipend to the self-employed and to business owners for May-June 2020: The immediate grant has already been paid to over 300,000 self-employed individuals and business owners by the Israel Tax Authority and is expected to enter bank accounts in the coming days. Approximately one-third of those eligible have received the maximum stipend of NIS 7,500. The overall amount of stipends paid thus far stands at NIS 1.8 billion. The Cabinet approved the decision yesterday for immediate implementation. Social assistance stipend for the self-employed and for business owners Self-employed individuals and business owners with annual taxable income of up to NIS 640,000 who experienced a decline in turnover of at least 40% will receive a bimonthly-to-monthly stipend of up to 70% of the taxable income, up to NIS 15,000. https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/spoke_joint_statement130720

On 13 July the Cabinet approved the economic plan of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Yisrael Katz – 'Safety Net 2020-2021', which includes the following provisions. Property tax assistance: Businesses with an annual turnover of up to NIS 100 million that experienced a drop of at least 60% in sales turnover will receive a refund for property tax expenditures for a business up to the end of June 2021. https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/spoke_joint_statement130720

On 14 July the Ministry of Interior announced that the entry of aliens into Israel continues to be forbidden, with some exceptions. • Those who enter the state of Israel gates must sign an isolation form containing an obligation to a guidance for isolation of 14 days from the date of entry into Israel. • A foreigner who leaves the country before the end of isolation with no special approval, violates the laws of the state of Israel and his next entry will not be approved. • No boarding will be permitted without obtaining a preliminary approval from the Population and Immigration Authority. • The entry of foreigners into Israel is subject to presentation of health insurance (including section covering the Coronavirus disease). Exceptions: 1. A foreigner who is married to an Israeli citizen or a permanent resident (who are not under a step-by-step process) and their minor children. 2. An foreigner staying abroad who is married to an Israeli citizen or to a permanent resident (who are under a step-by-step process), as well as their minor children 3. Minor children of parents whereas one of the parents is an Israeli citizen who lives in Israel and the other parent is an foreigner who lives abroad, and the children live abroad and carry foreign passports 4. Some foreign students 5. Experts – the entry of a limited number of experts, who are defined as being necessary for national infrastructures and/or functional consecutiveness of the economy 6. Artists, culture people and sportsmen – will be allowed to enter, subject to presentation of recommendation of the Ministry of Culture and Sports. 7. Volunteers in the field of welfare 8. Medical tourism 9. Weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, births, and funerals 10. Lone soldiers https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/covid19-entering-israel

"All schools resumed operation under restrictions: 2 meters between students, including during lunchtime, Wearing masks, Practicing hygiene." Source: https://govextra.gov.il/ministry-of-health/corona/corona-virus-en/guidelines/

Same as note on 13/07, as well as " Closure of dining rooms at places of work – takeaway service only." Source: https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/17072020_01 https://govextra.gov.il/ministry-of-health/corona/corona-virus-en/guidelines/

"During the weekend, stores, malls, open-air markets, hair salons/barbershops, beauty parlors, libraries, petting zoos, museums and display spaces, pools, tourist attractions and cable cars shall be closed." "During the weekend, being on beaches shall be prohibited (except for this weekend, 17-18 July, when beaches shall remain open)." Source: https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/17072020_01

"The Health Ministry Director General will sign an order prohibiting gatherings that will allow up to 10 people to meet in closed areas and up to 20 people in open areas (except places of work and nuclear families). This will take effect at 17:00 today (Friday, 17 July)." Source: https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/17072020_01

"There will be no restriction on leaving one's home." Source: https://www.gov.il/en/departments/news/17072020_01

"No limit will be set on the distance people are allowed to go from their houses." Source: https://govextra.gov.il/ministry-of-health/corona/corona-virus-en/guidelines/

All schools resumed operation, but "if an area is declared a red zones, schools will be closed in that zone."

Workplaces are allowed to open, but with many restrictions, including only 30% of the workforce returning in the public sector.

All schools resumed operation. See Israel Ministry of Health website, archived: https://govextra.gov.il/ministry-of-health/corona/corona-virus-en/guidelines/

Any cultural event that can be performed outdoors is allowed, provided social distancing, ticketing arrangements and food arrangements follow guidelines. See Israel Ministry of Health website, archived: https://govextra.gov.il/ministry-of-health/corona/corona-virus-en/guidelines/

Destinations are grouped into “Green” and “Red” locations. If you arrive from a “Red” location, you will have to go into isolation. If you arrive from a “Green” location, there is not need to isolate, as long as you did not stay in a “Red” location during a 14-day period before your flight to Israel. See Ministry of Health website, archived: https://www.gov.il/en/Departments/DynamicCollectors/green-red-countries?skip=0