Coronavirus: Israel opens up further – here’s what you need to know

The government voted on Saturday night on the third step of Israel’s exit strategy, which was approved last week by the coronavirus cabinet.

Here’s what will change on Sunday:

Schools – Pupils in grades 7-10 will return to their classrooms in green and yellow cities and “light orange” cities where at least 70% of people over 50 are vaccinated or cured. Due to the capsule system, students will only be in school two or three days a week.

Universities / colleges / other post-secondary schools – These will reopen to holders of green passports, provided that schools can offer distance education to anyone who cannot or chooses not to vaccinateRestaurants and cafes – Green passport holders will be able to sit inside or outside, unvaccinated people will be able to sit outside. Restaurants and cafes will operate according to the purple ribbon scheme, up to 75% of their capacity or no more than 100 people. Two meters must be maintained between the tablesHotels – Dining rooms can open up to 50% capacity or 300 peopleEvent venues, attractions, conferences – Open to holders of green passports (5% of participants may present a negative coronavirus test); up to 50% capacity and no more than 300 peopleSport and other cultural events – Up to 500 people inside and up to 750 people outside. In stadiums with more than 10,000 seats, up to 1,000 people can attend indoors and up to 1,500 outdoors. Tickets must be sold in advanceSynagogues and other houses of prayer – Up to 50% occupancy for synagogues registered under the Green Passport program and in which there are permanent seats. If there are no permanent seats, one person per 7 m². In any case, up to 500 peopleGeneral collection limits – 20 inside, 50 outside (except in the red zones where the limit remains respectively 10 and 20)Airports and international travel – 3,000 Israelis will be able to enter the country per day, according to an aviation schedule established by the ministries of transport and health. People can return from the following destinations: New York, Frankfurt, London, Paris, Kiev, Hong Kong and TorontoNew Arrivals – Subject to home isolation in accordance with Ministry of Health guidelines, increased enforcement will be carried outIsolation hotels – Will continue to work for those who need itDeparting flights – Vaccinated Israelis will be able to leave the country freely. The green passport program will also apply to those who have been vaccinated with the Israeli vaccine Brilife. Babies under 1 year old can accompany their parents. Establishments will no longer be required to take people’s temperatures. Any establishment that violates the regulations will be fined 5,000 shekels. The regulations are in effect until Saturday March 20, with the exception of the education rules, which are valid until Saturday April 3.