Israeli leaders announced Sunday the country will be forced into yet another full lockdown with the hopes that it will lower skyrocketing virus cases and the morbidity rate.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the lockdown will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, just before celebrations begin for the Jewish new year holiday of Rosh Hashanah. The first phase of the lockdown will extend for three weeks from Sept. 28 until Oct. 11. Authorities will then reassess the situation.
The Restrictions
During the lockdown, police and soldiers will prevent Israelis from venturing more than 500 meters from their property. People will only be allowed to leave their homes for vital supplies like food and medicine.
All businesses that receive the public will be forced to shut down and authorities will ban companies from receiving customers. Businesses that do not interact with the public, like factories, will be allowed to stay open but with limited personnel.
All gyms and restaurants will be shuttered. However, restaurants will be able to offer deliveries.
Schools, except for special education centers, will be closed as well. Indoor and outdoor gatherings will be limited.
The lockdown will also affect the way people worship during the upcoming Jewish holy days. Up to 20 people will be allowed to pray together outdoors. In areas where infection rates are highest, up to 10 people will be allowed to worship together indoors. Up to 25 people will be allowed to worship together indoors in areas where infection rates are lower.
If the morbidity rate has lowered by Oct. 11, Israel may transition into the second phase of the lockdown. During the second phase, restrictions will be tailored according to the severity of the virus in each specific city and municipality.
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