Israel is among several nations working to reopen their economies to start relieving the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that the government took a series of steps in trying to ease lockdown restrictions last month, including allowing group prayer. On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced further lifts that will go into full effect on Thursday.
Israelis will soon be able to leave their homes without limitations on distance, visit elderly relatives while keeping a social distance, and go to malls and markets, which will reopen this week. Public gatherings up to 20 people will also be permitted, and weddings and funerals will be allowed to have up to 50 attendees. Kindergartens will commence on Sunday with the rest of Israel’s education system to resume by mid-June.
Over 16,000 people in Israel have tested positive for the coronavirus, and 235 people have died. In the West Bank and East Jerusalem, 515 people have tested positive with two deaths. In the Gaza Strip, 17 people have tested positive for the virus.
According to the New York Times, at least 12 countries started reopening on Monday, most of which are in Europe.
Italy, which suffered more than 28,000 deaths, is in the works to start reopening its airports to passengers. Spain and Germany have slowly reopened their small businesses and hairdressers, and Poland plans to allow people to return to hotels, museums, and shops.
Most openings are being done with the consideration of social distancing measures in mind. Globally, the world has now seen over 3.5 million confirmed cases of COVID-19.
