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Israel To Restart Economy Despite Coronacirus Pandemic

By Stefan J. Bos, Special Correspondent Worthy News

(Worthy News) – Israeli officials say the government wants to gradually reopen the country’s economy hit hard by a coronavirus pandemic that overshadowed the Passover holiday. But in a setback for the tourism industry, regular flights will only resume in September, Israeli media reported Saturday.

The announcement came after the government announced an 80 billion shekels ($22 billion) plan to help restart the economy. Under the plan, workplaces would reopen gradually, while taking precautions and ensuring social distancing rules are kept. Malls will remain closed during the first stage, as will cafes and restaurants, Israeli officials said.

Hairdressers and cosmeticians may be allowed to resume work provided they wear protective gear, such as masks. The first students to continue school will be special education pupils. Later, other students will begin learning in shifts, local media reported. The government also approved a timeline for tightened travel restrictions throughout much of the week-long festival, which started to Wednesday when Jewish families gather for a meal commemorating the Biblical exodus from slavery in Egypt.

Large religious gatherings in churches or synagogues are also banned this Passover and Easter season. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu barred groups of more than two people who are not in the same family, with few exceptions, such as for funerals. He also made wearing masks compulsory.

Israel says it introduced the stricter measures to contain the coronavirus once the April 8-15 festival is over and open the Jewish state for business. An economic aid package, unveiled by Netanyahu and Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, includes 70 billion shekels in addition to 10 billion already promised to boost welfare services. The additional welfare money is for those who lost their jobs or are on unpaid leave and to assist the private sector.

“The coronavirus has brought the country’s worst-ever economic crisis,” Kahlon admitted. The number of people seeking unemployment benefits has jumped to about 1 million people in less than a month, from a pre-crisis level of 30,000 unemployed, he said. Israel has more than 10,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus. Nearly 100 people have died, according to official figures released over the weekend.