Police will suspend enforcement of lock-in restrictions over the weekend as there is a steady rise in daily coronavirus infections, police officials said Thursday
Under government restrictions, Israelis are not allowed to travel more than one kilometer (0.6 miles) away from home or visit other cities in addition to emergencies.
Police checkpoint in Tel Aviv enforcing lock travel restrictions
(Photo: AFP)
Police will set up 25 checkpoints on the country’s main roads and dozens more in cities starting 6am Friday working around the clock.
Until now, checkpoints operated from 9am to 3:30 pm and then again from 6:30 pm to allow essential staff to avoid heavy traffic while traveling to and from work. . However, police decided to enforce a travel ban, as fewer people work over the weekend.
“We understand how difficult it is for the public at this time, but we must all adhere to restrictions,” said the head of the police operations department, Commander Yishai Shalem.
Good citizen police stay at Tel Aviv beach against coronavirus lockout
(Photo: EPA)
“Over the weekend, we plan to impose a fine and ensure people do not block travel without a valid reason.”
Prof. Nachman Ash told Ynet that the restrictions could be eased when the number of COVID-19 cases, which has recently reached a high level, is reduced.
Coronavirus czar Prof. Nachman Ashes
(Photo: Tal Shahar)
“I hope we can see the beginning of the recession [in new cases] in a few days, it will take time, “he said. We can see the curve is smooth, but things are still going downhill. “
He said the number of new cases at the beginning of next week as well as the number of serious patients will be a good indication of whether the lock should be extended and for how long.