Israel Eases Coronavirus Restrictions amid Growing Anger

Israel has started easing coronavirus-related restrictions on movement and closures in a bid to jump-start its economy. This comes amid growing public anger over a perceived lack of government support for shuttered businesses and laid-off workers, an anger manifested in protests. Some 1 million Israelis have lost their jobs or been put on paid leave since the health crisis erupted in March. Overnight between Saturday and Sunday, the cabinet agreed to allow companies to increase the proportion of employees on-site from 15% to 30%. Certain industries, such as hi-tech, have been permitted to return a greater percentage of staff, although strict social-distancing regulations remain in effect, and Israelis are still required to wear masks when leaving home. Nevertheless, citizens will now be able to venture up to 500 yards from their residence as opposed to the 100-yard limit that had been in place for weeks. Other businesses, such as those selling household goods and appliances, are also slated to gradually re-open, and outdoor religious services of no more than 19 people have been approved. The moves come as the Health Ministry raised the country’s confirmed number of cases of COVID-19 – the disease caused by the coronavirus – to well over 13,000. At least 171 people have died and more than 100 are currently being sustained by ventilators. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Saturday night said the effects of the new moves would be assessed on April 30, at which point there would either be a further loosening of regulations or a reversal toward another clampdown, depending on whether the spread of the contagion is better contained.