Israel's trains will begin to resume service on Monday, June 8, it was announced on Thursday.
Train service was shut down three months ago due to the coronavirus crisis. While buses have resumed service, train service remained suspended due to Health Ministry concerns it could lead to a further coronavirus outbreak.
Railway service was originally scheduled to resume on May 17, but the reopening was pushed back to June 1 and eventually to June 8.
Transportation Minister Miri Regev and Health Minister Yuli Edelstein have agreed to allow trains to resume operations on June 8 and not to delay the reopening further,
"The public expects the return of trains, which will alleviate pressure from the bus systems and allow easy public transport access to Israeli citizens,” said Regev. “We will follow the developments and make sure the public abides by the health rules, maintaining social distancing, wearing masks and preventing the entry of passengers with fever inside train stations.”
Passengers will be required to adhere to social distancing rules.