Lockdown

Naftali Bennett accuses gov't of politicking while Israel burns

Yamina party head says if he were Prime Minister, "I would be totally focused on COVID."

Gaza announces new coronavirus lockdown

Increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Gaza leads Hamas authorities to declare a lockdown in red areas.

What You Need To Know

A Second Wave Is Here: Numerous Countries Locking Down Again

The coronavirus pandemic has impacted people all over the world. Now, this pandemic has been going on for about a year.

UK Federation of Synagogues asks gov't to keep synagogues open

The UK is about to enter a second national lockdown, lasting a month.

Critiquing data sending UK into lockdown

UK votes tomorrow on lockdown 'based on mad modeling, and bad science.'

Dr Jay Bhattacharya: Creative alternatives to lockdown

Epidemiologist says lockdown creates mental health issues and multigenerational households, and discourages people from going to hospitals.

Jordan to impose nationwide lockdown amid coronavirus surge

Jordan's Prime Minister announces five-day nationwide lockdown starting November 11.

Johnson: There's no alternative except a lockdown

British Prime Minister will say on Monday there is no alternative but to lock down England amid coronavirus surge.

French mayors seek to sidestep lockdown & protect local business

All non-essential shops must close for 15 days - but 50 mayors aren't playing along.

Fines for lockdown breaches to double and quadruple

Businesses opening illegally will be fined NIS 10,000. Event organizers and schools will be fined NIS 20,000.

Premiere:

'Deadly decisions': Victoria's hotel quarantine catastrophe

Sky News Australia investigates Victoria’s decision to go it alone which they say had disastrous consequences for countless Australians.

British PM announces new coronavirus lockdown

New lockdown to come into force starting Thursday and will be in effect until December 2.

Finance Minister: 'Health Ministry detached from the people'

Minister Katz sharply attacks Health Ministry, that opposes opening businesses, ahead of Corona cabinet discussions. 'What's this insanity?'

France announces second coronavirus lockdown

Macron announces new measures ordering people to stay in their homes except to buy essential goods, seek medical attention or exercise.

Police indict 13 for communal prayer during lockdown

In most cases, those found breaching lockdown are only fined.

Government report details huge failings in distance learning

Less than half of teachers were trained in distance learning; only a third met curriculum targets.

Health Minister: 'We're opening slowly to avoid 3rd lockdown'

Health Minister visits Ziv Hospital in Tzfat: 'Quite a few businesses will return to activity this coming Sunday.'

World Synagogue Organization outlines plan for winter prayers

Even after synagogues reopen, it remains preferable to pray outdoors.

3 out of 4 people don't trust government to manage Covid crisis

Just 24% of those polled said the government could manage the crisis correctly, as opposed to 60% during the first lockdown.

Mayors demand: Give us authority to organize school reopening

Grades one to four due to resume studies on November 1. Government at odds with local authorities regarding preparations.

What will happen to street prayers once the rain starts falling?

MK Betzalel Smotrich warns the government to develop a plan now, while there's still time to prepare.

Netanyahu: We must not reopen Israel too fast

Prime Minister insists on 'gradual, responsible' exit from lockdown, pushes for harsher fines for Israelis who violate restrictions.

Melbourne outbreak casts doubt on anticipated restriction easing

Premier casts doubt on much-anticipated easing of restrictions as health authorities scramble to contain outbreak in Melbourne suburbs.

One day on Ben Yehuda Street

Mea Shearim, the Doors, the Beatles and the Psalms have an identical Creator. The vast differences are in my mind. Op-ed.

Netanyahu to propose new lockdown exit policy

Meeting on lockdown exit strategy ends without a decision after PM rejects Health Ministry plan as too long.

Virus figures continue to drop; experts still advocate caution

Only one Jerusalem neighborhood is still "red."

'The Netanyahu-Gantz government is enamored with lockdowns'

If their fixation with the lockdown approach continues, we're headed for not just a third lockdown, but a fourth and fifth too.

'End Jewish Hatred' rally in NY proves hypocrisy of the Left

They saw NY Orthodox Jews as the weakest link, so they could falsely allege they are the only ones not following regulations.Op-ed

Next to reopen: Malls & businesses, or elementary schools?

Coronavirus cabinet will meet today to formulate the second stage of emergence from lockdown.

For most of population, lockdown far more deadly than COVID-19

Given doubts by scientists about lockdown effectiveness, most moral choice is targeted protection for at-risk populations. Opinion

Netanyahu urges haredi public to follow lockdown restrictions

'This time we'll end lockdown gradually,' says PM as some lockdown restrictions lifted. 'Follow the rules and your towns will become 'green'

‘Petty COVID dictators’ lockdowns for ‘so-called climate crisis’

Sky host says 'authoritarian elitists' imposing lockdowns to reach COVID normal enforce same drastic restrictions to reduce carbon dioxide.

NY issues halt order on planned 10,000 person Brooklyn wedding

Cuomo: 'We received a suggestion that that was happening. We did an investigation and found that it was likely true.'

Netanyahu: 'The closure works; we're exiting carefully'

Prime Minister Netanyahu announces ahead of lifting lockdown: 'Decision to impose closure was right. I'm glad I insisted on it, it works.'

Prof. Ronni Gamzu:

Before lifting lockdown: 'Hold back, curtail meetings'

Gamzu delivers statement: This isn't return to routine, but relief. Refrain from social gatherings, adhere to limit of 10 inside, 20 outside

Ministers approve continued lockdown in 'red cities'

Ministerial Committee on Restricted Zones votes to keep coronavirus hotspots under lockdown at least until Wednesday.

Lockdown in Borough Park

The coronavirus needs to be brought under control, but there has to be a fair method to the madness. Op-ed.

Gantz: Virus numbers down thanks to citizens' compliance

Gantz said COVID-19 numbers in Israel were down thanks to the cooperation of a majority of the country's citizens.

Cabinet decides: Businesses can open, no limit to leaving home

Many lockdown restrictions to be lifted starting Sunday, including opening of beaches and parks. Decision on schools to be made later.

Bennett to Netanyahu: Lockdown a result of your failures

Former Defense Minister blasts prime minister for calling second lockdown a success, says lockdown could have been avoided.

Once again, almost a million registered unemployed

Over a quarter of a million people registered as new jobseekers during the current lockdown.

Today's Open Orthodoxy - Bereishit 5781

There are good things that resulted from our praying outside, things we should try to retain and that contrast Abraham with Adam and Noah.

Australia:

Andrews government's hotel quarantine story ‘gets murkier’

Sky News tells story of how Andrews government went it alone using not much more than private security guards to run hotel quarantine.

Haredi leaders: Schools to remain closed pending govt decision

Haredi leaders met with senior government officials to formulate an outline for resumption of studies.

Weddings with up to 20 people will be permitted

Following campaign led by MK Ayelet Shaked, the 1,000-meter limit on participation in wedding will be removed.

What about life?

When will the time come to reclaim our lives?

Decisions on easing closure - only on Thursday

Coronavirus cabinet convenes, but decisions regarding practical easing of closure will not be made today, given fear of Sukkot morbidity.

Hebrew U research: Children under 10 don't spread coronavirus

Researchers & Education Minister call for younger age group to resume studies in first stage of emergence from lockdown.

Man shouts what he is missing: Anthem for the Corona lockdown

What is behind the long list of politicians who violate the rules they are responsible for? Why don't they practice what they preach? Op-ed.

World Health Organization: Stop the lockdowns

Top WHO envoy urges world leaders to avoid using lockdowns. 'They make poor people a lot poorer.'

Eat now, pay later - the cost of a family meal together

Seven members of an extended family celebrated Rosh Hashanah together. Now all seven have Covid-19 and two are in hospital.

'We're gaining control over the epidemic'

Although morbidity statistics are encouraging, the government will still proceed with caution.

Netanyahu:

'We'll reopen businesses and schools - gradually'

Prime Minister Netanyahu vows to gradual reduction of lockdown restrictions, expresses guarded optimism over 'positive signs' of success.

Shaked: The government is holding small businesses hostage

Shaked alleges that lockdown was only imposed because government couldn't reach compromise on restricting demonstrations.

Seat of compassion

Pray the Almighty judge from His seat of compassion, as we fight today's enemy with masks, distancing, being seated alone at home.

Del Bigtree interviews Rabbi Yitzchak David Smith on NY lockdown

For second time in 18 months, Jewish Orthodox community in NY has been locked down, causing heated protests in streets.

Plan to exit lockdown

Finance Ministry wants to join second and third stages, opening first-fourth grades and opening synagogues, malls, shops, and gyms.

The Daily Portion

Despite everything, we begin anew

We read how Moses blesses the tribes before his death and a few minutes later how G-d created the world. Our story is greater than corona.

The dati-haredi divide: The Covid Stress Test

What lies behind those in the haredi community who disregarded the covid guidelines? A socio-religious analysis. Opinion.

Arrogance and the corona spill-over effect

Groups defying the lockdown created an atmosphere encouraging others to disregard restrictions that are an issue of life and death. Op-ed.