Lifting Israel’s coronavirus restrictions - here’s what you need to know

We are returning to action. These are the phases of Israel's strategic exit plan.

By MAAYAN JAFFE-HOFFMAN
Israelis walking in Jerusalem on the first day after Passover 2020 (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
Israelis walking in Jerusalem on the first day after Passover 2020
(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
“We are returning to action,” said Health Ministry director-general Moshe Bar Siman-Tov on Tuesday afternoon during a media briefing, the day after the government and Health Ministry lifted another set of restrictions from the Israeli public. Now, it is easier for people to see their loved ones, work out and take advantage of spring weather.  
At the same time, the ministry is monitoring to ensure that people remain safe and cases of the virus do not increase too fast.  
Israelis are asked to wear masks in public spaces, maintain a two-meter distance from one another and wash their hands regularly.
“If we are careful, we will beat coronavirus,” Bar Siman Tov said.
The following is the country’s strategic exit plan, which will be rolled out in phases.
Now:
  •  No limit on movement from home
  • Up to 20 people can gather in an open space
  • Visits with first-degree relatives, including the elderly with their children and grandchildren are permitted
  • Sports in pairs (going to beaches is prohibited except for sports activity in the sea)
  • Libraries, nature reserves, heritage sites, national parks, zoos and safaris open
  • Hotels and guest houses also open
  • Circumcisions attended by up to 19 people (as opposed to 10)
Still in force:
  •  19 people for prayers in an open space (because 20 can make two separate quorums)
  • Stores may not open between 19:30 p.m. and 3 a.m. in Muslim-majority communities (extended through May 10)
  • Ministerial Committee on Emergency Restrictions can continue to declare communities or sections of communities restricted (until June 2)
Increased force: Mikvaot (ritual baths) – a person must now be assigned by the operator to ensure that rules are maintained
May 7:
  • Malls and open-air markets open (no more than one person per two meters; regular disinfection required; no sitting for the purpose of eating)
  • Gyms open
May 10:
  •   Day-care, preschool and kindergarten resumes
  • Up to 50 people can gather
May 17:
  • Sports in groups of up to 20 people - no contact
  • Museums open
May 31:
  • Up to 100 people can gather
  • Grades four through 10 return to school
  • After-school activities and youth groups resume
  • Swimming pools and parks open
June 14:
  •  No limit on gathering
  • Restaurants and cafes open
  • Flights (limited) resume
  • Schools can operate unrestricted
  • Higher education resumes
  • Theaters and movie houses open