The Israeli premier noted that in Sweden, ‘which had a lenient policy,” there are over 1,000 deaths and in Belgium, which is more or less the same size as Israel, "there are over 5,000 deaths", writes Yossi Lempkowicz .
Among the developed countries, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member states, Israel is ranked very high in dealing with the coronavirus and the per capita rate of tests in the country is among the highest in the world, said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he announced Saturday evening the removal of restrictions on industries, commerce and personal freedoms starting Sunday, as part of what he said was a careful and gradual process.
In a press conference, Netanyahu said the new guidelines would include a return to work of some employees in the manufacturing and service industries, albeit under various restrictions, as well as the reopening of certain stores.
Statistics on the rate of new cases and the number of people on ventilators have been deemed relatively encouraging in recent days. Israel’s death toll stood at 171 on Sunday, with 113 people on ventilators. Nearly 40% of all deaths have been residents of nursing homes.
The Israeli premier declared: “Citizens of Israel, in recent weeks the State of Israel and all countries have been on an extraordinary journey, the goal of which is to ensure health and lives in the shadow of the global corona pandemic. Throughout this journey, we have taken determined and methodical steps to overcome the virus. Thanks to your responsibility, citizens of Israel, thanks to our wonderful medical teams that are on the frontline day and night, and thanks to the timely decisions and steps that we have taken, we have succeeded in this mission up until now.’’
Netanyahu said the series of steps taken by the government to tighten restrictions on movement, contact and the economy "have proven themselves in slowing the rate of infection and in stabilizing the numbers of seriously ill patients and those on ventilators. They have proven themselves mainly by reducing mortality in comparison to what could have happened,’’ he added.
He noted that in Sweden, ”which had a lenient policy,” there are over 1,000 deaths and in Belgium, which is more or less the same size as Israel "there are over 5,000 deaths’.’
Netanyahu said the coming Independence Day (Yom Haatzmaut) and Memorial Day (Yom Hazikaron) for the Fallen Soldiers of Israel and Victims of Terrorism events will take place without crowds.
He also asked Israel’s Muslim citizens to avoid the family feasts and gatherings associated with Ramadan, which starts on Thursday.
Outdoor prayers of up to 19 people will now be allowed (just short of two “minyans” or quorums), with two metres between worshipers, wearing masks.
In addition, people will be allowed to go 500 metres beyond their own home for sports or prayer, and 500 metres from their workplace for prayer.
Ministers agreed on a NIS 200 (€50) fine for anyone caught more than once without a face mask in public.
Shopping malls, restaurants, toy shops, beauty and hair salons and clothing stores were to stay closed at this time.
