COVID-19 pandemic in Israel
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| COVID-19 pandemic in Israel | |
|---|---|
 Magen David Adom worker dressed in protective gear walks beside a mobile intensive care unit | |
| Disease | COVID-19 |
| Virus strain | SARS‑CoV‑2 |
| Location | Israel |
| First outbreak | Wuhan, Hubei, China |
| Index case | Ramat Gan |
| Arrival date | 21 February 2020 (4 years, 2 months ago) |
| Confirmed cases | 4,699,229[1] |
| Active cases | 8,101[1] |
| Severe cases | 107[1] |
| Recovered | 4,677,942[1] |
Deaths | 11,801[1] |
| Fatality rate | 0.25%[2] |
| Government website | |
The COVID-19 pandemic in Israel (Hebrew: מגפת הקורונה בישראל, lit. 'The corona pandemic in Israel') is part of the worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first case in Israel was confirmed on 21 February 2020, when a female citizen tested positive for COVID-19 at the Sheba Medical Center after return from quarantine on the Diamond Princess ship in Japan.[3] As a result, a 14-day home isolation rule was instituted for anyone who had visited South Korea or Japan, and a ban was placed on non-residents and non-citizens who were in South Korea for 14 days before their arrival.[4]
Beginning on 11 March 2020, Israel began enforcing social distancing and other rules to limit the spread of infection. Gatherings were first restricted to no more than 100 people,[5] and on 15 March this figure was lowered to 10 people, with attendees advised to keep a distance of 2 m (6 ft 7 in) between one another.[6] On 19 March, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a national state of emergency, saying that existing restrictions would henceforth be legally enforceable, and violators would be fined. Israelis were not allowed to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary. Essential services—including food stores, pharmacies, and banks—would remain open. Restrictions on movement were further tightened on 25 March and 1 April, with everyone instructed to cover their noses and mouths outdoors. As coronavirus diagnoses spiked in the city of Bnei Brak, reaching nearly 1,000 infected people at the beginning of April,[7] the cabinet voted to declare the city a "restricted zone", limiting entry and exit for a period of one week. Coinciding with the Passover Seder on the night of 8 April, lawmakers ordered a 3-day travel ban and mandated that Israelis stay within 100 m (330 ft) of their home on the night of the Seder. On 12 April, Haredi neighborhoods in Jerusalem were placed under closure.
On 20 March 2020, an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor in Jerusalem who had previous illnesses was announced as the country's first casualty.[8][9] The pandemic occurred during the 2019–2022 Israeli political crisis and had a significant political impact.[10][11][12] All restrictions in Israel were removed throughout the spring of 2021, later reintroducing face mask requirements.[13] Restrictions on non-citizens entering the country remained until January 2022.
Israel Shield, the country's national program to combat the pandemic, was established in July 2020.[14] As of June 2021, it is led by Salman Zarka, a position known as the "COVID czar".[15][16]
Timeline[edit]
First wave: February to May 2020[edit]
First cases[edit]
On 21 February, Israel confirmed the first case of COVID-19. A female Israeli citizen who had flown home from Japan after being quarantined on the Diamond Princess tested positive at Sheba Medical Center.[3] On 23 February, a second former Diamond Princess passenger tested positive, and was admitted to a hospital for isolation.[17]
On 27 February, a man, who had returned from Italy on 23 February, tested positive and was admitted to Sheba Medical Center.[18] On 28 February, his wife also tested positive.[19] On 1 March, a female soldier tested positive for the virus. She had been working at the toy store managed by the same man diagnosed on 27 February.[20] On 3 March, three more cases were confirmed. Two contracted the virus at the same toy store: a middle school student who worked at the store, and a school deputy principal who shopped there. Following this, 1,150 students entered a two-week quarantine. One other person, who had returned from a trip to Italy on 29 February, also tested positive for the virus.[20]
Information campaign[edit]
The government has set up a multi-lingual website with information and instructions regarding the pandemic. Among the languages: English, Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, Amharic, French, Spanish, Ukrainian, Romanian, Thai, Chinese, Tigrinya, Hindi, Filipino.[21] The government also set up a dashboard where daily statistics can be viewed.[22]
Travel restrictions[edit]
On 26 January 2020, Israel advised against non-essential travel to China.[23] On 30 January, Israel suspended all flights from China.[24] On 17 February, Israel extended the ban to include arrivals from Thailand, Hong Kong, Macau, and Singapore.[25] On 22 February, a flight from Seoul, South Korea, landed at Ben Gurion Airport. An ad hoc decision was made to allow only Israeli citizens to disembark the plane, and all non-Israeli citizens aboard returned to South Korea.[26] Later, Israel barred the entry of non-residents or non-citizens of Israel who were in South Korea during the 14 days prior to their arrival in Israel.[27] The same directive was applied to those arriving from Japan starting 23 February.[17] On 26 February, Israel issued a travel warning to Italy, and urged cancelling of all travel abroad.[28] By the third week in March, El Al, Israel's national air carrier, responded to a government request to send rescue flights to Peru, India, Australia, Brazil, and Costa Rica to bring home hundreds of Israelis who were stranded around the world due to the worldwide pandemic. On 22 March, 550 Israelis returned from India; a few days before about 1,100 Israeli travelers were repatriated from Peru.[29]
On 21 February, Israel instituted a 14-day home isolation rule for anyone who had been in South Korea or Japan.[17] A number of tourists tested positive after visiting Israel, including members of a group from South Korea,[30] two people from Romania,[31] a group of Greek pilgrims,[32] and a woman from the U.S. State of New York.[33] 200 Israeli students were quarantined after being exposed to a group of religious tourists from South Korea.[17] An additional 1,400 Israelis were quarantined after having traveled abroad.[34] On 9 March, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a mandatory quarantine for all people entering Israel, requiring all entrants to quarantine themselves for 14 days upon entering the country.[35][36] The order was effective immediately for all returning Israelis, and would apply beginning on 13 March for all foreign citizens, who must show that they have arranged for accommodation during their quarantine period.[36]
Social distancing and closures[edit]
On 2 March, the 2020 Israeli legislative election was held. Multiple secluded voting booths were established for 5,630 quarantined Israeli citizens who were eligible to vote.[37] 4,073 citizens voted in the coronavirus-special voting booths. After the election, numerous Israelis were in quarantine.[38] On 10 March, Israel began limiting gatherings to 2,000 people.[39] A day later, on March 11, Israel further limited gatherings to 100 people.[5] On 14 March, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced new regulations and stated the need to "adopt a new way of life". The Health Ministry posted new regulations, effective 15 March. These included banning gatherings of more than 10 people, and closure of all educational institutions, among them daycare centers, special education, youth movements, and after-school programs. The list of venues required to close included: malls, restaurants, hotel dining rooms, pubs, dance clubs, gyms, pools, beaches, water and amusement parks, zoos and petting zoos, bathhouses and ritual baths for men, beauty and massage salons, event and conference venues, public boats and cable cars, and heritage sites. Take-away restaurants, supermarkets, and pharmacies were to remain open. The pandemic forced many events to be cancelled. Notwithstanding the closure of wedding halls, weddings took place in private homes with the limitation of no more than 10 participants in each room; dancing could take place both indoors and in outdoor courtyards. Weddings were also held on rooftops and yeshiva courtyards. In one case, a Sephardi couple opted to hold their wedding ceremony in an Osher Ad supermarket, which was exempt from the 10-person rule.[40] The Al-Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock closed to prevent contamination of the holy sites.[41] As a result of the government's directive for citizens to remain at home, there was an increase in calls to domestic violence hotlines, and women's shelters were close to full capacity, both due to new arrivals and to current residents who remained due to the pandemic.[42]
On 9 March, after it was discovered that an employee at the Israeli embassy in Greece had contracted coronavirus and spread it to two family members, it was announced that the embassy was temporarily shutting down.[43] On 12 March, Israel announced that all universities and schools would close until after the Passover (spring) break.[44] After the break, schools remained closed[45] and students learned online. On 3 May, grades one to three were allowed to resume school, with restrictions, and not in all cities. In addition, grades eleven and twelve were allowed to hold revisions for the upcoming Bagrut exams.[46] On 15 March, Justice Minister Amir Ohana expanded his powers and announced that non-urgent court activity would be frozen. As a result, the corruption trial of Prime Minister Netanyahu was postponed from 17 March to 24 May. The Movement for Quality Government in Israel urged the Attorney General to stay the new regulations.[47] On 16 March, the Bank of Israel ordered retail banks to close, but allowed special services to remain open for elderly people.[48] On 22 March, both the open-air Carmel Market in Tel Aviv and the open-air Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem were closed by police.[49][50] Many supermarkets experienced a shortage of eggs caused by panic buying and fear of shutdown.[51]
Medical response[edit]
As late as 15 March, doctors complained that guidelines for testing were too restrictive.[52] On 16 March, the Health Ministry approved a number of experimental treatments for patients with COVID-19.[53] On 18 March, the Defense Ministry took over purchasing of Corona-related gear.[54] On the same day, the Israel Institute for Biological Research announced that they are working on a COVID-19 vaccine.[55] On 18 March at 6 pm, Israelis across the country applauded from their balconies for two minutes in appreciation of medical workers and first responders battling coronavirus.[56][57] On 29 March, Magen David Adom announced that it will collect blood plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients to treat those most severely affected by the infection.[58] In December 2021, the Israeli Ministry of Health approved the use of Pfizer's Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir for treating COVID-19.[59]
Politics[edit]
The virus begun to rapidly spread after the March 2020 election, and pandemic politics affected Israel's subsequent trajectory. The incumbent PM Benjamin Netanyahu did not win enough seats to form a coalition, and the presidential mandate to form a coalition was given to his contender, Benny Gantz. Facing criminal charges and unable to form a coalition, PM Netanyahu urged the establishment of a National Emergency Government (NEG). Abulof and Le Penne argue that Netanyahu succeeded partly through fearmongering. Suggesting that “If I fall, Israel falls”, Netanyahu compared the COVID-19 crisis to the Holocaust, qualifying “unlike the holocaust, this time – this time, we identified the danger in time,” saying that NEG headed by him is needed “like before the Six-Day War,” to “save the country.”[60]
Netanyahu's pandemic politics brought his party the Likud to reach peak public support (41-43 seats during the first wave of April–May 2020), pushing Gantz to ask Israel's President to transfer the mandate to Netanyahu so that the latter could form, and head, a new government. Overall, Abulof and Le Penne argue, Israel features key factors that could have helped it weather well the COVID-19 crisis: a young population, close or otherwise heavily monitored borders, warm climate, an efficient public health system, hard-earned public resilience, willingness for mass mobilization, high-tech capacities (to help gather and spread information), and meager reliance on tourism.[60]
Mobile phone tracking[edit]
On 15 March, the Israeli government proposed allowing the Israel Security Agency (ISA) to track the prior movements of people diagnosed with coronavirus through their mobile phones.[61] The security service would not require a court order for its surveillance. The stated goal of the measure was to identify people with whom infected individuals came into contact in the two weeks prior to their diagnosis, and to dispatch text messages informing those people that they must enter the 14-day self-quarantine. The security measure was to be in place for only 30 days after approval by a Knesset subcommittee, and all records were to be deleted after that point. Critics branded the proposal an invasion of privacy and civil liberties.[62][63]
On 17 March, at 1:30 AM, a Knesset committee approved the contact-tracing program,[64] making Israel the only country in the world to use its internal security agency (Shin Bet) to track citizens' geolocations.[65][61] Within the first two days, the Ministry of Health text-messaged 400 individuals who had been in proximity to an infected person, and told them to enter a 14-day self-quarantine. On 19 March, the Supreme Court of Israel heard petitions to halt the contact-tracing program, submitted by the Association for Civil Rights in Israel, and Adalah – The Legal Center for Arab Minority Rights, and issued an interim order.[66][67] The same day, several hundred protesters converged on the Knesset to protest the phone surveillance and other restrictions on citizens' movements, as well as the shutdown of the judicial and legislative branches of the government. Police arrested three protesters for violating the ban on gatherings over 10 people, and also blocked dozens of cars from entering Jerusalem and approaching the Knesset building.[68] On 26 March, the ISA said contact tracing had led to over 500 Israelis being notified who were then diagnosed with coronavirus.[69] On April 26, 2020, the Supreme Court issued its judgment on the contact-tracing petitions. In granting the petitions, the Court held that the Government's decision passed constitutional review under the exigent circumstances at the time it was made, but that further recourse to the Israel Security Agency for the purpose of contact tracing would require primary legislation in the form of a temporary order that would meet the requirements of the Limitations Clause of Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty. The Court further held that due to the fundamental importance of freedom of the press, ISA contact tracing of journalists who tested positive for the virus would require consent, and in the absence of consent, a journalist would undergo an individual epidemiological investigation, and would be asked to inform any sources with whom he was in contact over the 14 days prior to his diagnosis.[70] Cellphone-based location tracking proved to be insufficiently accurate, as scores of Israeli citizens were falsely identified as carriers of COVID-19 and subsequently ordered to self-quarantine.[71] In an attempt to contain the spread of the Omicron Variant, Israel reinstated the use of Shin Bet counterterrorism surveillance measures for a limited period of time.[72]
Public transportation[edit]
As of 19 March, public transportation ridership was down 38.5 percent compared to before the virus outbreak. Public bus operations were strictly curtailed by the government, which placed an 8 p.m. curfew on bus operations nightly, and halted all public transportation between Thursday night at 8 p.m. and Sunday morning, going beyond the usual hiatus on public transportation in Israel during Shabbat (from Friday evening to Saturday evening).[73] As of 22 March Israel's Ministry of Transport and Road Safety and its National Public Transportation Authority instituted a notification system allowing passengers using public transportation to inquire whether they had shared a ride with a person sick with COVID-19. The travel histories will be stored through the use of the country's electronic bus card passes, known as Rav-Kav.[74] At the peak of the first wave, on 20 April 2020, public transportation ridership was down 80% compared to before the outbreak.[75]
State of emergency[edit]
On 19 March, Prime Minister Netanyahu declared a national state of emergency. He said that existing restrictions would henceforth be legally enforceable, and violators would be fined. Israelis were not allowed to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary. Essential services would remain open.[76] News reports showed hundreds of Israelis ignoring the new ban on Shabbat, 21 March, and visiting beaches, parks, and nature spots in large numbers, prompting the Ministry of Health to threaten imposing tighter restrictions on the public.[77][78]
On 25 March, the government imposed stricter restrictions on citizens' movements.[79] These include:
- People must not venture more than 100 m (330 ft) from their homes. Exceptions include:
- Employee arrival to work is permitted according to regulations
- Acquiring food, medicine, essential products and receiving essential services
- Receiving medical treatment
- Blood donation
- Legal proceedings
- Demonstrations
- Arriving at the Knesset
- Receiving care in the framework of the welfare system
- Departure of an individual or persons living in the same place for a short time and up to 100 meters from the place of residence
- Providing medical assistance to another person or assisting a person with difficulty or distress
- Prayer in an open place, funerals, weddings, and brit milah, as well as a woman's visit to the mikvah, provided that they pre-arranged the time of their arrival
- Transfer of a minor to educational settings for the children of essential workers and special frameworks (in accordance with the Public Health Order).
- Transfer of a minor, whose parents live separately, by one of his parents, to the other parent's home.
- Transfer of a minor whose responsible parent is required to leave for an essential purpose if there is no responsible place for the child to be left under his care.
- Private vehicles may have only two passengers. Taxis may have only one passenger.
- Essential workers must be tested for fever at their workplace, and anyone with a temperature over 38 °C (100 °F) will be sent home.
- Violators will be subject to a 5,000 shekels fine, or up to six months' imprisonment.
Beginning on April 1 the government proposed to intensify precautionary restrictions on its citizens, requiring them to: refrain from all public gatherings, including prayer quorums of 10 men; limiting outings to two people from the same household; and calling upon them to always wear face masks in public.[80] Beginning on April 12, the government required all Israelis to cover their nose and mouth when leaving their homes. Exceptions include "children under age 6; people with emotional, mental or medical conditions that would prevent them from wearing a mask; drivers in their cars; people alone in a building; and two workers who work regularly together, provided they maintain social distancing". The new law was passed on the same day that the World Health Organization questioned the efficacy of face masks for protecting healthy individuals from catching the virus.[81]
Restrictions on religious gatherings[edit]
According to Israeli Ministry of Health statistics, as of March 24, 24% of all coronavirus infections in Israel with known infection points (35% of all known cases) were contracted in synagogues, 15% in hotels, and 12% in restaurants.[82] The Health Ministry's rules on indoor gatherings, which were reduced from 100 to 10, still took into account the minimum number of members needed for a minyan (public prayer quorum). With stricter restrictions placed on citizens on 25 March (see below), the two Chief Rabbis of Israel called for all synagogues to be closed and prayer services to be held outdoors in groups of 10, with 2 m (6 ft 7 in) between each worshipper.[83] Many synagogues in Jerusalem were locked and prayer services held outdoors.[84] Due to the uptick in coronavirus diagnoses in Bnei Brak and after initially ordering his followers to ignore Health Ministry restrictions,[85] leading Haredi posek Chaim Kanievsky eventually issued an unprecedented statement on 29 March instructing Bnei Brak residents not to pray with a minyan at all, but rather individually at home.[86] Despite this, Kanievsky was accused of secretly arranging public prayers at his house.[87] On 1 April, the Chief Rabbis of Israel published guidelines for observance of Passover laws during the outbreak.[88] The guidelines included praying at home and not in a minyan, selling chametz online, and getting rid of chametz at home in ways other than burning, so as not to go out into the streets for the traditional burning of the chametz.[89]
After back-and-forth discussions with representatives of the chevra kadisha (Jewish religious burial society), the Health Ministry allowed burial society members to proceed with many traditional aspects of burial for coronavirus victims. Burial workers will be garbed in full protective gear to perform the taharah (ritual purification) of the body, which will then be wrapped in the customary tachrichim (linen shrouds) followed by a layer of plastic. The funeral service must be held completely outdoors. Funeral attendees do not need to wear protective gear.[90]
On 26 March, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was closed.[91] Ziyarat al-Nabi Shu'ayb is a Druze festival called Ziyara celebrated between 25 and 28 April which is officially recognized in Israel as a public holiday.[92][93] Mowafaq Tarif the current spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, announced that the traditional festivities of the Ziyarat al-Nabi Shu'ayb were canceled for the first time in the history of the Druze community.[94]
Closures of cities and neighborhoods[edit]
On 2 April, the cabinet voted by conference call to declare Bnei Brak a "restricted zone", limiting entry and exit to "residents, police, rescue services, those bringing essential supplies and journalists", for an initial period of one week. With a population of 200,000, Bnei Brak had the second-highest number of coronavirus cases of all Israeli cities in total numbers, and the highest rate per capita.[95] On 10 April the closure was relaxed to allow residents to leave the city to go to work, attend a funeral of an immediate relative, or for essential medical needs.[96] On April 12, the government imposed a closure on Haredi neighborhoods of Jerusalem, citing Ministry of Health statistics that nearly 75% of that city's coronavirus infections could be traced to these neighborhoods. The closure impacted Mea Shearim, Geula, Bukharim Quarter, Romema, Mekor Baruch, Sanhedria, Neve Yaakov, Ramat Shlomo, and Har Nof. Residents of these neighborhoods were allowed to leave to other areas only to go to work, attend funerals of immediate relatives, and for essential medical needs. The closure was opposed by the Mayor of Jerusalem, Moshe Lion, who reportedly told the government cabinet members: "Take the Ramot neighborhood for example — 60,000 residents and 140 of them sick. Why do we need to close off the whole neighborhood?"[97]
Lawmakers enforced a 3-day nationwide lockdown in conjunction with the Passover Seder, which took place in Israel on Wednesday night, April 8. All travel between cities was prohibited from Tuesday evening until Friday evening. From Wednesday at 3 p.m. until Thursday at 7 a.m., all Israelis were prohibited from venturing more than 100 m (330 ft) from their home. The goal of these measures was to prevent the traditional family gatherings associated with the Passover Seder. The lockdown did not apply to Arab towns, where Passover is not observed.[98] Despite the lockdown, several prominent politicians, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, President of Israel Reuven Rivlin, Yisrael Beiteinu party leader Avigdor Lieberman, Minister of Immigration and Absorption Yoav Gallant, and Likud MK Nir Barkat were noted by the Israeli press to have celebrated the Seder or other parts of the festival with relatives who did not live with them.[99][100][101] A partial nationwide lockdown was again imposed from 14 to 16 April, preventing Israelis from visiting family in other towns, and Jerusalem residents from leaving their own neighborhoods, in conjunction with the seventh day of Passover and the Mimouna holiday the following evening at the end of Passover.[102]
Throughout the month of Ramadan, which began on April 25, stores in towns with majority Muslim populations (including East Jerusalem) were to be closed from 6 pm until 3 am. Indoor prayer for all religions was banned, while outdoor prayer was allowed for groups up to 19 people, distanced at least 2 m (6 ft 7 in) apart.[103]
Exit strategy[edit]
On 24 April 2020, the government approved the reopening of street stores and barbershops, effective 26 April 2020. Malls, gyms, and restaurants without delivery services remained closed.[104] On 7 May 2020, malls and outdoor markets reopened, with restrictions on the number of people allowed.[105] On 27 May 2020, restaurants reopened, with 1.6 meter distancing between diners, and masked staff.[106]
On 3 May 2020, schools reopened for first to third grade, and 11th to 12th grade.[107] Classes were limited in size, and schoolchildren were required to wear masks. By 17 May 2020, limitations on class size were lifted.[108] On 10 May 2020, preschools and kindergartens reopened, with limits on the number of children per class, and on a rotating half-week schedule. Nurseries were reopened with a full-week schedule, but allowing only 70% of the children to attend. Priority was given to children of single or working mothers.[109] On 17 to 19 May 2020, schools reopened fully, with certain social distancing rules in place, including staggered recesses and maintaining 2 meters distance between pupils during breaks. Children arriving at school were required to present a health statement signed by their parents.[110] A number of schools were shut down after reopening due to cases among staff members or students.[111]
On 4 May 2020, Prime Minister Netanyahu outlined a gradual easing of lockdown restrictions, approved by the government.[112] Immediate changes included allowing outdoor meetings of groups not exceeding 20, removal of the 100-meter limit on venturing from homes, and allowing meetings with family members, including elderly. Weddings with up to 50 attendees were also allowed. The easing of restrictions would halt should one of the following occur:[112]
- 100 new daily cases (excluding individuals arriving from abroad, outbreaks in retirement homes, and cases in other current outbreak hotspots).
- the doubling time of infections decreases to 10 days.
- the number of patients in serious condition reaches 250.
Additional easing of restrictions was announced on 5 May 2020.[113] On 19 May 2020, the requirement to wear masks outdoors and in schools was lifted for the remainder of the week due to a severe heat wave.[114] On 20 May 2020, beaches and museums reopened, and restrictions on the number of passengers on buses were relaxed. Houses of prayer reopened to groups of up to 50 people. Attendees were required to wear masks and maintain a distance of two meters.[115]
Economic impact[edit]
On 16 March, Israel imposed limitations on the public and private sectors. All non-critical government and local authority workers were placed on paid leave until the end of the Passover holiday. Private sector firms exceeding 10 employees were required to reduce staff present in the workplace by 70%.[116] On 30 March, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced an economic rescue package totaling 80 billion shekels ($22 billion), saying that was 6% of the country's GDP. The money will be allocated to health care (10 billion shekels); welfare and unemployment (30 billion shekels) aid for small and large businesses (32 billion shekels), and to financial stimulus (8 billion).[117] By 1 April, the national unemployment rate had reached 24.4 percent. In the month of March alone, more than 844,000 individuals applied for unemployment benefits—90 percent of whom had been placed on unpaid leave due to the pandemic.[118] During April 2020, Bituah Leumi deposited one-time payments to seniors, disabled people, people receiving income support or alimony payments, and families with children.[119] On 16 June 2020, the Knesset passed a stimulus bill to encourage businesses to bring workers back from unemployment.[120]
Second wave: May to November 2020[edit]
Government response[edit]
On July 1, the Knesset reauthorized ISA mobile phone tracking of infected individuals by enacting the Law to Authorize the ISA to Assist in the National Effort to Contain the Spread of the Novel Coronavirus (Temporary Provisions) 2020–5780.[121] As ISA location tracking resumed, by July 5, over 30,000 Israelis were ordered into quarantine.[122] On 6 July 2020, following over two weeks of continued increase in the number of new daily cases, Netanyahu announced new social distancing guidelines, approved by the government.[123][124] These included:
- Restriction of social gatherings to 20 people.
- Limiting the number of synagogue worshippers to 19 people.
- Closure of gyms, night clubs, culture venues, and event halls.
- Limiting the number of people on public buses to 20.
- Limiting the number of restaurant guests to 20 indoors, or 30 for restaurants with outdoor seating.
On 17 July, additional restrictions were announced.[125][126] These included:
- Closure of all studios and gyms, except for those used by professional athletes.
- No sitting in bars or restaurants (delivery service and take-away allowed).
- Weekend lockdown of non-essential businesses from 5:00pm Friday until 5:00am Sunday (supermarkets and pharmacies not included).
- Closure of beaches during weekend lockdown, starting 24 July 2020.
- Gatherings limited to 20 people outdoors, and 10 people indoors.
Due to pressure from business owners, the government backtracked on the closure of restaurants, pools, and beaches.[127] Weekend closures of malls and markets were also cancelled, following claims that the closures had not slowed infection rates.[128]
On 31 August 2020, the coronavirus cabinet approved the 'traffic-light' plan introduced by Prof. Ronni Gamzu, in which each city is assigned a color indicating its current level of COVID-19.[129] On 6 September 2020, the government approved closure of schools and a night-time curfew for forty 'red' communities.[130] This plan replaced Gamzu's proposal of full closure in ten 'red' towns and went into effect 8 September. The communities affected by the curfews were among the poorest in Israel, with mainly Arab and ultra-Orthodox population.[131] Residents under curfew were restricted to 500 meters distance from their homes, from 7pm to 5am.
On 10 September 2020, Israel became the country with the highest rate of COVID-19 infections per capita. As confirmed infections continued to rise daily, Israeli officials warned that hospitals would eventually be unable to confront the crisis.[132] On 13 September 2020, the government approved a 3-week country-wide lockdown, beginning Friday, 18 September at 2pm, and ending on 10 October. Restrictions include:[133]
- People will be limited to within 500 meters of their homes, except for work and essential activities such as buying food and pharmacy goods.
- Closure of malls, stores (except food and pharmacies), hotels, restaurants, fitness clubs and swimming pools.
- Gatherings limited to 10 people indoors, or 20 people outdoors.
- Closure of schools except for special education and certain boarding schools (online schooling permitted for all schools).
- No sitting in bars or restaurants (delivery service allowed).
The 3-week lockdown took place during the high holidays, during which many Jews attend synagogue. The lockdown rules for prayer were as follows:[134]
- Outdoor prayer groups limited to 20 people.
- Indoor prayer groups limited to groups of 10 people, with depending on the number of entrances , as follows:
for .
for .
In either case, the total number of people 10 should not exceed , where is the area of the room in square meters.
On 23 September 2020, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced stricter lockdown rules after a new daily coronavirus record of 6,923 infections was reported in Israel.[135] These included:[136]
- Closure of synagogues, excepted for limited prayers on Yom Kippur.
- Participation in demonstrations only within 1 km from home.
- Closure of Ben Gurion Airport to outgoing flights.
On 13 October the lockdown was extended for an additional week, until midnight 18 October 2020.[137]
While restrictions were eased in most of the country, local lockdowns were imposed in the following towns due to high case numbers: Majdal Shams and Masade (starting on 6 November 2020), Buqata (starting on 7 November), Hazor Haglilit (starting on 8 November),[138] Qalansawe and Iksal (starting on 17 November 2020),[139] Nazareth and Isfiya (starting on 21 November).[140]
A number of steps were taken to provide financial assistance:
- A one-time payment for each citizen was given out in two instalments: the first for parents of children under the age of 18, and the second for individuals 18 or older.[141]
- Unemployment pay was extended through 30 June 2021.[142]
- An additional grant was provided for low-income workers over age 67 who were fired or forced to take a leave of absence.[143]
- Grants for businesses whose income suffered due to the pandemic.[144]
On 21 September 2020, the government unanimously approved a 10% pay cut for all Knesset members and government ministers.[145][146]
Protests[edit]
During July and August 2020, many protests were held, with protesters voicing frustration over the response of the Netanyahu-led government to the pandemic.[147][148] On 30 September, Israel's parliament passed a law limiting demonstrations which the opposition said was intended to curb protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged corruption and his mismanagement of the coronavirus crisis. The law prohibited Israelis from holding large gatherings more than one kilometre (5⁄8 mile) from their residences. The government defended the measure as a way to curb COVID-19 infections.[149] On 3 October, numerous anti-Netanyahu protests were held throughout Israel after the passage of legislation limiting demonstrations during the lockdown.[150] The Black Flag movement estimated that 130,000 people took part in Saturday's protests against Netanyahu in cities and towns across Israel.[151]
2020–2021 school year[edit]
The Haredi school year started on 24 August 2020, before the 'traffic light' plan was approved.[152] All other schools in non-'red' cities opened on 1 September 2020.[153] Within a week, a number of schools and kindergartens reported outbreaks, leading to quarantine of exposed staff members and students.[154] Physical schools, kindergartens and nurseries closed at the beginning of the 3-week lockdown, on 13 September, with classes continuing online.[155] Kindergartens and nurseries reopened on 18 October, including in 'red' cities.[156] Grades 1 to 4 reopened on 1 November, in non-'red' cities. Class size was limited to 18 children. Students were required to wear masks throughout the day and eat their meals outdoors or spaced far apart from one another.[157] Grades 5 and 6 returned to school on 24 November.[158] High school grades 11 and 12 returned on 29 November.[159] Schools reopened for remaining grades 7–10 on 6 December.[160] After the Hanukkah break, over 220,000 students from grades 5–12 in 'orange' and 'red' cities went back to online studies.[161]
Exit strategy[edit]
On 18 October 2020 Israel eased lockdown restrictions in non-'red' cities. The first stage of the exit strategy included:[162][163]
- Reopening of kindergartens and nurseries.
- Eateries open to take-out in addition to delivery.
- Travel no longer restricted to 1 km from home.
- Indoor gatherings of up to 10 people, and outdoor gatherings up to 20, allowed.
- Reopening of prominent religious sites in Jerusalem, including the Western Wall, the Temple Mount, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
- Reopening of beaches and national parks.
On 1 November 2020 Israel eased restrictions further:[157]
- Reopening of elementary schools (grades 1–4).
- Reopening of synagogues (limited to 10 people indoors, 20 outdoors).
- Reopening of bed-and-breakfasts.
- Reopening of hair and beauty salons.
- Resumption of some "one-on-one" activities, including driving lessons and personal fitness training.
On 8 November 2020, street-front stores reopened.[164] Strip malls reopened on 17 November 2020.[165] 15 malls opened as part of a pilot plan on 27 November 2020.[166]
Third wave: November 2020 to April 2021[edit]
In December 2020, cases steadily increased, reaching over 3,000 new cases daily and over 5% test positivity rate.[167] Multiple countries announced the appearance of new and more infectious COVID-19 strains; towards the end of December, first cases of the Alpha variant were detected in Israel.[168] First cases of the Beta variant were detected in January 2021.[169]
Travel ban[edit]
On 20 December 2020, Israel announced an entry ban on all foreign travelers arriving from the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Denmark.[170] Israelis returning from these countries were required to enter state-run quarantine hotels. On 24 January 2021, the government announced a week-long ban on most incoming and outgoing flights, effective on Monday January 25 at midnight, to prevent entry of new variants into Israel.[171] The flight restrictions were extended multiple times: until 5 February 2021,[172] then until 21 February 2021,[173] and later until 6 March 2021. Daily flights, for new immigrants and for Israelis stranded outside Israel, were available as of 22 February 2021, for up to 2,000 passengers.[174] The number of daily entries was increased to 3,000 on 7 March 2021.[175]
Third nationwide lockdown[edit]
On 24 December 2020, the government declared a third nationwide lockdown, to begin on 27 December 2020.[176] Restrictions included:
- Traveling limited to 1,000 meter radius from home (individual sporting activities are allowed).
- Gatherings limited to 10 people indoors or 20 people outdoors, for approved events (e.g. funerals and weddings).
- Visiting another person's home is forbidden.
- Closure of all non-essential stores and services.
- Businesses that do not receive customers can remain open at 50% capacity or up to 10 employees, whichever is greater.
- Restaurants will open for delivery only.
- Closure of bed and breakfasts, zoos, safaris and parks.
- Closure of alternative medicine centers, beauty, and hair salons.
- Cancellation of driving lessons.
- Public transportation reduced to 50% capacity.
Preschoolers through grade 4, grades 11–12, and special education, are to continue physical schooling as usual, even in "orange" and "red" cities. While the initial government decision called for remote learning for grades 5–10, this decision was revised by the Knesset Education Committee: in "green" and "yellow" cities, grades 5-10 are to continue in-person schooling, while schools in "orange" and "red" cities will switch to remote learning.[177] In April 2021, Israel lifted its outdoor and indoor mask mandates, as it was the country with the fastest vaccination campaign worldwide.[178][179][180] But it reimposed the indoor mask mandate due to an increase in infections.[181]
During the first week of January 2021, there were over 8,000 new cases daily.[182] On 5 January 2021, the government announced a two-week long, complete lockdown, effective midnight Thursday 7 January 2021.[183] The tightened restrictions include:
- Gatherings limited to 5 people indoors or 10 people outdoors, except for funerals, weddings and Brit milahs which gathering limited to 10 people indoors or 20 people outdoors.
- Closing the entire education system including preschools, except special education. Grade schools to continue online schooling.
- Travel abroad allowed only for essential purposes.[184]
On 19 January 2021 the tight lockdown was extended until the end of January.[185] The tight lockdown was initially extended until 5 February 2021,[172] and then until 7 February 2021.[186] The government approved a curfew from 8:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. for the three nights of 25–27 February, in an attempt to limit spread of the virus during Purim holiday activities.[187]
Exit strategy[edit]
On 7 February 2021 Israel began easing lockdown restrictions:[188]
- Restrictions on travel within and between towns were lifted.
- Workplaces that do not receive customers were reopened.
- Open-air nature reserves and parks were reopened.
During the third lockdown many Israelis were vaccinated against COVID-19. On 21 February 2021, the government implemented green passes for those who were fully vaccinated or were infected and recovered.[189][190] Green passes are required for the following:
- entry into gyms, theaters, hotels, and concerts.
- entry into synagogues registered to the plan.
On 7 March 2021, restrictions were eased further. Rules include:[175]
- Gatherings of up to 20 people indoors and 50 outdoors are allowed.
- In-person interactions with the public for non-essential services are allowed (if the service cannot be provided remotely).
- Temperature checks for those entering public locations or businesses are canceled.
- Events of up to 300 people and up to 50% venue capacity are allowed, with up to 5% non-green-pass-holders with negative test results allowed.
- Indoor dining at restaurants allowed at 75% capacity with 2 meters between tables, for up to 100 green pass holders. Outdoor seating of up to 100 outdoors (no green pass required).
- Places of worship not registered with green pass limited to 20 people inside, 50 outside. Those registered limited to 50% capacity (fixed seating) or 1 person per each 7 m2.
- Tourist attractions open for green pass holders.
- Entry of Israeli citizens via Ben Gurion airport to increase to 3000 daily. Exit available to all those holding vaccination or recovery certificates.
- Entry into Israel via land crossings with Jordan: open twice weekly.
Green passes can be generated for those who have recovered from the virus or who are fully vaccinated (1 week after the second dose) using the Ministry of Health's Traffic Light app.
Preschools, kindergartens, and grades 1-4 reopened on 11 February 2021 in "yellow" and "green" areas, and in "light orange" areas that had at least 70% of their community vaccinated.[191] Grades 5-6 and grades 11-12 returned to school in "yellow", "green", and "light orange" areas on 21 February 2021.[192] Grades 7-10 returned to school in "yellow", "green", and "light orange" areas on 7 March 2021.[175] Universities reopened with in-person classes for green pass holders on 7 March 2021.[175] On 18 April 2021, schools reopened fully, with in-person classes and no special limitations on class size. Students are still required to wear masks indoors but are allowed to take them off during gym class, when they eat, and in between classes.[193]
Period following vaccination campaign: April to June 2021[edit]
Following the national vaccination campaign during late December to April 2021, Israel reached a vaccination rate of over 50% of the population, and 9% recovered from COVID-19, with resulting drops in new cases and deaths.[194] In April 2021, first cases of the Delta variant were detected in Israel.[195] In May 2021, first cases of the Gamma variant were detected too.[196]
On 18 April 2021, the requirement for masks outdoors was cancelled. Masks were still required indoors in public places, and The Ministry of Health recommended that they be worn outdoors in large gatherings.[193] On 15 June 2021, the requirement for masks indoors, in schools, and on public transportation was cancelled.[197]
On 23 April 2021, Israel issued a travel warning for Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Mexico, South Africa, Turkey, and Ukraine due to their high COVID-19 morbidity rates.[198] On 2 May 2021, the government banned the travel of Israelis to India, to Mexico, to South Africa, to Brazil, to Ukraine, to Ethiopia and to Turkey unless they receive special permission. Israelis returning from these countries must isolate for either 14 days with one PCR test taken upon arrival, or 10 days with two negative PCR tests.[199] The current list of 'red' countries for which isolation is required can be found on the Ministry of Health website.[200]
On 5 May 2021, the government extended the validity of green passes for those vaccinated or recovered until December 2021.[201] On 1 June 2021 Israel lifted many COVID-19 restrictions, including limitations on the number of people at both indoor and outdoor gatherings, and green pass requirements. Restrictions on international travel remain in place.[202] Testing protocols remain in place for containing new outbreaks, particularly in schools and among international travellers.[203]
Fourth wave: June to November 2021[edit]
Daily case numbers began rising at the end of June 2021, reaching over 1000 daily cases on 17 July 2021[204] and peaking at over 10,000 during September 2021.[205] The number of hospitalizations also rose.[206]
On 19 October 2021, the first case of Delta variant AY.4.2 was detected in Israel.[207] Subsequent tests revealed 5 earlier cases of the variant.[208]
Government response[edit]
On 25 June 2021, the requirement for mask indoors was reinstituted due to the rise in cases.[209] On 29 July 2021, the green pass requirement was reinstituted for indoor events with 100 or more participants.[210]
On 29 July 2021, a third vaccination was approved for persons aged 60 or older due to observed waning efficacy of the Pfizer vaccine to the prevalent Delta variant.[211] The vaccine booster was later approved for all those 12 and older.[212]
On 8 August 2021, restrictions renewed by the government came into effect to slow the spread of the Delta variant and included expanding proof of vaccine and mask-wearing requirements for some gatherings, and a shift back to more work from home, quarantines, and travel restrictions.[213]
2021–2022 school year[edit]
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett approved a testing plan for students during the 2021–2022 school year. Serological testing of all students in grades 1 through 6 is planned. Students with a positive serological result will receive a green pass and will be exempt from quarantine during the school year. Families of kindergarten and elementary school children will receive home-testing kits and will be required to test their children within 48 hours of the first day of school.[214] In a pilot of the serology test carried out in Haredi schools, which reopened on 9 August 2021, approximately 20% of children tested positive.[215]
Beginning 10 October 2021, Israel adopted the 'green classroom' outline for grades 1–12 in 'green' cities.[216] According to the outline, if a child tests positive, the child's classmates undergo PCR testing. Classmates who test negative are allowed to return to school, but must avoid social contact with non-classmates after school hours. Instead of quarantine, the classmates are required to take antigen tests for 7 days, followed by a second PCR test. The children resume regular studies and afterschool activities when the second PCR tests are negative for the whole class. This outline was extended to 'yellow' cities and to daycare on 24 October 2021.[217]
Fifth wave: December 2021 to May 2022[edit]
First cases of the Omicron variant were detected in Israel in the end of November 2021,[218] reaching 175 cases on 19 December 2021.[219] Daily cases increased to over 80,000 at the end of January 2022.[220] Despite having administered enough doses to fully vaccinate 98.6% of the country,[221] Israel health authorities expressed concern about breaking the record for serious infections in late January 2022.[222]
Travel restrictions[edit]
Israel banned the entry of foreigners on 28 November 2021.[223] Israel further listed 'red' countries to which travel of Israelis was banned.[224] Travel restrictions on Israelis were removed on January 6, 2022, and foreigners complying with 'Green Pass' rules were allowed to enter starting January 9, 2022.[225]
School guidelines[edit]
Israel scrapped the 'traffic light' plan for in-person school attendance, thereby easing schools' ability to hold in-person classes. Instead, beginning 9 January 2022, children testing positive were required to self-isolate for 10 days. Vaccinated children who were exposed were allowed to return to school after a negative rapid antigen test, while unvaccinated children were required to isolate for 10 days.[226] The isolation requirements for exposed schoolchildren were cancelled on 27 January 2022. Instead, children will undergo two home tests weekly, on Sunday and Wednesday. Children who test positive at home are required to take an official test and, if positive, isolate for 5 days. Those exposed are recommended to undergo daily tests for 5 days, but are not required to isolate.[227]
4th vaccine dose[edit]
Israel began offering a 4th dose of the Pfizer vaccine to those 60 or older on 2 January 2022.[228] The 4th dose was later recommended for all those aged 18 or older.[229]
Green Pass restrictions[edit]
On 7 February 2022, the requirement to hold a 'Green Pass' or a recent negative test when entering restaurants, movie theaters, gyms, and hotels was removed. 'Green Passes' are still required for entry into event halls and dance clubs.[230]
Sixth wave: since June 2022[edit]
The number of cases started rising again in June 2022, caused mainly by the spread of variant BA.5.
Infection prevalence and compliance[edit]
The prevalence of infection has varied between different sectors of the Israeli population. Haredi communities have experienced a disproportionately higher number of cases [231] and deaths.[232] Reasons for the increased case numbers include crowded living conditions, and prioritizing continuity of religious routines, such as synagogue services and Torah study at yeshivas.[233] Compliance, at least of some groups within the Haredi sector, has been low. During the 'third wave', when all schools were supposed to be closed, many Haredi schools reopened.[234] Hundreds attended weddings in some Haredi communities.[235] Thousands gathered for funerals of prominent rabbis, including Rabbi Meshulam Dovid Soloveitchik[236] and Rabbi Chaim Meir Wosner,[237] despite government restrictions. Vaccination rates in the Haredi community have been lower than i