Lockdown

Barrington Declaration:

Health experts join global anti-lockdown movement

Thousands of scientists, health experts join global movement warning of 'grave concerns' regarding COVID-19 lockdowns.

Watch:

Dr. Zelenko on President Trump illness, guidelines, face masks

Rabbi Aryeh Katzin interviews Dr Zev Zelenko on personal cancer recovery, his views on COVID lockdowns; blasts 'World Homicide Organization'

Professor of Infectious Disease Unit: Covid-19 isn't going away

Prof. Gili Regev of Sheba Hospital sees an end to lockdown within weeks - but the virus will still remain.

Health experts: Haredi death rate far higher than expected

Only 3% of haredim are over 65, but their share of fatalities is disproportionately high.

Physician:

'Violations by senior officials prove they don't believe'

Internal medicine and gastroenterology specialist: 'All these good people just don't really believe in paralyzing all residents of Israel.'

PM's wife violated lockdown, summoned hairdresser to home

By way of explanation, Sara Netanyahu said she thought she was allowed "as an influential public figure"

Government votes to extend emergency powers, lockdown

Despite criticism from some ministers, government extends emergency powers and lockdown restrictions for another week.

Will Likud minister face criminal investigation over lockdown?

Attorney General mulls whether police should open criminal investigation of Likud minister for lockdown violations and apparent cover up.

Prime Minister considered action against Minister Gila Gamliel

Prior to his statement regarding Minister Gamliel, Netanyahu considered harsh reaction against Minister, but at no point did he mean firing.

Netanyahu: No easing of lockdown until next Monday

Prime Minister announces he has no intention to make changes to current lockdown until next week after more information is available.

Steps to exit second lockdown

7-stage program presented to ministers for incrementally leaving lockdown but allowing economy activity, returning to kindergarten studies.

Blue and White ministers:

'Open businesses that don't receive public after Sukkot'

If morbidity decline continues, Benny Gantz's party will demand to open businesses that don't receive public and early childhood education.

Likud minister under fire for allegedly violating lockdown

Gila Gamliel, who recently tested positive for coronavirus, is accused of violating lockdown, then trying to cover it up.

Corona Cabinet to discuss easing lockdown

Lockdown expected to be extended - but with some restrictions dropped after Sukkot festival. Preschools and kindergartens likely to reopen.

Prime Minister expected to demand tightening of lockdown

PM's associates say despite apparent lessening of number of infections, tightening of closure needed to continue the trend.

Covid: What was crucial for Yom Kippur is as crucial for Sukkot

The health instructions and warnings presented for Yom Kippur are just as applicable to the Sukkot holiday. Be careful!

Jordan warns a return to full lockdown is possible

Jordan records 1,767 new cases of COVID-19, its highest daily tally since the start of the outbreak.

'If we're going to do a lockdown, let's go all the way with it'

'We need to bring down the number of new infections per day to under 100,' says ex-Health Ministry chief Gabi Barbash.

Knesset approves bill restricting demonstrations

Following stormy debate, Knesset approves second and third readings of bill restricting demonstrations during a full lockdown.

Health Minister warns:

No way around it, a properly built sukkah is a closed space

Health Minister Yuli Edelstein, Internal Security Minister Amir Ohana, Acting Police Superintendent Moti Cohen tour Tel Aviv.

Netanyahu: Closure will take at least a month, maybe much longer

PM clarifies closure not expected to end after Simchat Torah: 'Goals, indicators will be set; they will dictate how long it lasts.'

'We'll know by the end of the week if the lockdown is effective'

'We're all paying a price in this lockdown,' says Israel's Deputy Health Minister. 'This week we'll see if it is having an effect'

Watch: Protest of Covid lockdown in London

Protest in Trafalgar Square comes days after announcement of tighter restrictions.

Health Minister:

'Absolutely no chance lockdown will end after Sukkot'

Yuli Edelstein says lockdown must be extended past original 3-week period, cannot be ended after Sukkot holiday despite pressures to do so.

Yom Kippur outdoors in Israel was fantastic

Yom Kippur succeeded in embroidering a tapestry of the Jewish people at outdoor prayer. Op-ed.

British epidemiologist: Lockdown just defers the problem

Epidemiologist Prof Mark Woolhouse: "Lockdown just defers the problem, it doesn’t solve it."

Lockdown:

Netanyahu: 'Mistakes were made along the way'

Prime Minister defends decision to carry out full lockdown; decries 'populist decisions in Knesset to repeal restrictions.'

Supreme Court rejects scientists' petition against lockdown

Judges rule 'petition’s underlying infrastructure no longer relevant,' referring to claims of inflated data, bias, lack of transparency.

'We will not repeat the mistakes of the past'

Health Minister Yuli Edelstein: We will lift the lockdown slowly. We will not repeat the mistakes of opening everything all at once.

Israel bans most outbound air travel

Travelers who already purchased plane tickets will be allowed to leave Israel - but all other departures banned. Return flights to continue.

The pandemic reveals what has become of humanity

It is not only about lockdowns and the severity of the covid pandemic, it is about our ability to cope compared to the past. Op-ed

'We are on the brink of disaster, stop blaming each other'

Yamina chairman Naftali Bennett: Nothing will happen to democracy if there are no huge demonstrations for two weeks. Wake up.

Watch: How has Sweden avoided lockdown, overcome virus?

Sweden's chief epidemiologist tells Channel 4 News that imposing strict lockdown and then ending it swiftly was what hurt most countries.

List of lockdown restrictions over the holidays

Which cities will be closed off and which will remain open? How many people will be permitted to take part in prayers/demonstrations?

Netanyahu: We're at the height of a war

Prime Minister issues statement ahead of announcement of more severe lockdown from tomorrow amid rising coronavirus cases and fatalities.

Gantz: We are fighting for our lives

Defense Minister calls on public to obey new lockdown restrictions, including on prayers and demonstrations.

Gamzu: 'I recommended not closing country'

COVID-19 coordinator says hermetic closure will lead to more significant reduction in morbidity: 'Government decision is message to public.'

Opposition slams lockdown: 'A devastating, illogical decision'

Opposition parties strongly criticize gov't decision to impose full lockdown for 2 weeks, say they will fight decision in Constitution Cmte.

Government approves: Lockdown as of Friday

Prayers and demonstrations will also be held in capsules of up to 20 people. Knesset will be asked to approve the measure on Thursday.

Days of awe (and loopholes)

Everyone is blaming everyone else, lignoring rules, and not looking in the mirror. It’s not exactly the spirit of the Days of Awe, Op-ed

Government to approve 'hermetic' lockdown starting Friday

Citizens will be allowed to leave only for purposes defined "essential." Synagogues will open only on Yom Kippur, to small number.

Netanyahu pushing for immediate imposition of tighter lockdown

Flights abroad to be banned? PM expected to push for closure of much of Israeli economy, warning of national health 'emergency'.

Poll: Most Israelis back total lockdown

New poll shows Israelis are evenly divided over lockdown restrictions - with 30% saying they are too restrictive, 29% say they're too lax.

Israel’s Covid mystery

HCQ was banned for Covid patients by the WHO on the basis of late stage trials. But doctors claim it worked in early stage usage. Opinion.

Coronavirus Cabinet to consider Yom Kippur synagogue closures

Israel's Coronavirus Cabinet to convene Wednesday morning to deliberate on plans to tighten lockdown, close synagogues during Yom Kippur.

A positive take on Israel's Covid-19 setback

Only a  positive perspective will enable us, in Israel and everywhere, to  victoriously endure our covid war of attrition. Opinion.

New Lockdown Plan:

Synagogues to be closed, Sukkot markets to be banned

Coronavirus Cabinet to rule on expanded lockdown plan which will include shutting down half of private sector businesses, closing synagogues

Israeli Cabinet approves economic safety net plan

New aid plan will spend some 10.5 billion shekels to aid businesses and wage-earners harmed by ongoing lockdown.

Netanyahu pushing for stricter lockdown after Yom Kippur

Coronavirus Cabinet to meet Tuesday to deliberate on proposal to impose tighter lockdown after Yom Kippur, strictly limiting private sector.

'We can outsmart this virus' says German professor of virology

Prof. Streeck describes how a "proper balance" is essential and why lockdown is not only damaging but also unnecessary.

7,000 lockdown fines issued during Rosh Hashanah

Thousands of Israelis fined during Rosh Hashanah for violating lockdown rules.

PM: Don't come to us with complaints if you break the rules

Prime Minister Netanyahu says Coronavirus Cabinet will discuss possibility of implementing harsher restrictions tomorrow.

Defense Minister Gantz orders field hospital prepared

DM orders preparations to establish hospital in accordance with projections.

Unemployment claims surge after lockdown imposed

Decline in unemployment reverses, with 42,000 new unemployment claims filed since last Thursday, on eve of Israel's second lockdown.

Watch: Police tell merchants to close shop in Tel Aviv shuk

Most shops in Tel Aviv's Shuk Hacarmel are not considered "vital" according to coronavirus regulations.

Coronvirus Cabinet to rule on tighter lockdown rules Monday

PM and Health Minister pushing for massive restrictions on economic activity, while Coronavirus Czar and Finance Minister oppose new rules.

Coronavirus Cabinet expected to impose new lockdown restrictions

Ministers to vote on plan to impose even tighter lockdown, cutting back on permits for workers to leave their homes during lockdown.

Office of the Chief Rabbi:

Our Covid-19 responsibility this Rosh Hashannah

Cases of Covid-19 are on the rise, primarily due to irresponsibility, the responsibility that we have towards ourselves and others. Opinion.

Thousands of police and soldiers deployed as lockdown begins

Israel enters second general lockdown, expected to be in force for at least 3 weeks, hours before onset of Rosh Hashanah holiday.

Rosh Hashannah in lockdown – an opportunity for Tikun

The lack of mass prayers and family meals are liable to cause sadness, but we must make an effort and use the time for tikun.