Israel has imposed a new weekend shutdown and tightened a series of coronavirus curbs to lower infection rates amid growing public anger over the government’s handling of the crisis.
People will be allowed to leave their homes this weekend but malls, shops, pools, zoos and museums will shut from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning.
Full weekend lockdowns that could confine people to their homes may be imposed by July 24 after the government gains parliamentary approval for that, Israel Radio reports.
Weekends in Israel begin on Friday afternoon, the eve of the Jewish Sabbath, and last until Sunday – a working day.
On all days, gatherings will be limited to 10 people indoors and 20 outdoors and restaurants would be allowed to serve takeaway only, the government says.
A further decision on whether to keep summer schools and nurseries open will be made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Benny Gantz.
Israel reopened schools and many businesses in May, lifting restrictions that had flattened an infection curve after a partial lockdown imposed in March.
Read the article in The Standard.