Third Strict Quarantine Enforced in Israel This Year

A third strict quarantine has commenced in Israel since March 2020, starting Sunday at 5 PM local time. Until January 9, Israelis are prohibited from leaving their homes more than 1 kilometer away and from visiting each other. All commercial outlets are closed except for shops providing essential goods, and restaurants are permitted to operate only on a takeaway basis. The list of restrictions has been published by the health ministry’s press service, as reported by TASS.

“From December 27, 2020, until January 9, 2021, leaving home more than 1 kilometer away is prohibited, aside from cases for vaccination, receiving medical or social assistance, participating in protests or trials, engaging in sports through walking, permitted employment, or visiting educational institutions, as well as attending funerals, circumcision ceremonies, or weddings. A fine of 500 shekels is set for violations,” the statement noted.

The press service added that leaving one’s residence for the purpose of being at another person’s residence is forbidden. All commercial establishments and public places will close for two weeks, except for shops selling essential goods. Vacation homes, zoos, national and nature parks, memorials, beauty salons, and barber shops, along with alternative and supplementary medical facilities, cinemas, shopping malls, markets, and museums will also be shut down. Activities in public areas, excursions, hikes, and travels are prohibited.

According to Kan Israeli radio, kindergartens will continue to operate, and school classes will not be interrupted for the time being.