iSavta | 06.05.2020

First week of May. After battling and slowing down the spread of CoVid-19 by implementing the lockdown, the Israel government finally lifted it. This will give the citizens and everyone who lives in Israel the freedom to go to work, to go to school and open businesses.

Although, there are still a few good solid restrictions with people’s movement, it is a breath of fresh air for the country that has been in lockdown for more than a month. Preschools and kindergartens are now preparing to resume school under a couple of rules to be implemented for the safety of the children.

EL AL on the other hand extends halts on all flights until May 30. The decision was made based on the measures implemented by the Ministry of Health about passenger’s quarantine and prohibition of non-citizens to enter the country. In the case of the Caregivers who want to go home to their country via EL AL, they will need to wait for further announcement from the airline and the government.

“We are returning to action”. Those were the words of Health Ministry director-general Moshe Bar Simon-Tov on Tuesday in front of the media after a day of lifting another set of restrictions. In line with these developments, the government and the ministry is still monitoring to make sure that the people remain safe and the CoVid-19 will not spread further.

The wearing of mask in public space, the two-meter distance from one another and the regular washing of hands are still to be strictly implemented and followed.

Here’s Israel strategic exit plan from CoVid-19 which they will roll out in the coming days:

What is ALLOWED:

1. No limit on movement inside the household
2. Gathering of 20 people in an open space is allowed
3. Sports in pairs
4. Visit with first degree relatives, including the elderly with their children and grandchildren
5. Hotels and guest houses are allowed to open
6. Libraries, heritage parks, nature reserves, zoos and national parks are allowed to open
7. Circumcisions attended to up to 19 people are allowed.

What is STILL NOT ALLOWED:

1. Gathering of 19 people in prayer is not allowed (because 20 can make two separate groups)
2. Stores in Muslim-majority communities may not open between 19:30 p.m. and 3 a.m. This restriction is extended until May 10
3. Ministerial Committee on Emergency Restrictions can continue to declare communities or sections of communities restricted (until June 2)
4. Mikvaot (ritual baths) – a person must now be assigned by the operator to ensure that rules are maintained

May 7:

1. Markets and Malls are allowed to open but to maintain a two-meter distance from person to person, regular disinfection and sitting down to eat is still prohibited.
2. Gyms are open

May 10:

1. Preschools and kindergartens resumes
2. Gathering of 50 people is allowed

May 17:

1. Sports events with 20 people are allowed but No contact
2. Museums are allowed to open

May 31:

1. Gatherings of 100 people are allowed
2. Grades 4 to 10 can return to school
3. Youth groups and after-school activities resumes
4. Parks and places with swimming pools are open

June 14:

1. Gatherings of any sort has no limit
2. Restaurants and Cafes are allowed to open
3. Flights will resume but will be limited
4. Unrestricted operations of schools is allowed
5. Universities / Higher education resumes
6. Theatres and Movie houses are open

This gradual lifting of restriction until everything goes back to normal is good news for everybody but for the Caregiving industry, we still recommends caution because your elderly employer is an immuno-compromised person and still vulnerable not just to CoVid-19 but to all other dangerous illnesses.

We are still sceptical about going all out with the normal activities. Here are some guidelines that we STILL recommend to all Caregivers as we adjust ourselves to the lifting of the lockdown:

1. Maintain hygiene by frequent washing of your hands, shower and disinfection of surfaces.
2. Maintain your employer’s hygiene by bathing them regularly and disinfect personal spaces.
3. Maintain a 2-meter distance from other people or your fellow Caregivers when going out on weekends.
4. Wear appropriate mask when going out to the supermarket or other crowded places.
5. Work with your employer’s family in maintaining cleanliness and precautions when they are visiting.
6. Impose a strict no hug, no kiss rule with your friends and family
7. Refrain from going out to the park with your employer and gather with other fellow caregivers with their employers as well
8. When planning a vacation to other countries, adhere with the restrictions from the airline and from the government of both Israel and the country of your destination

Remember, this is not just to protect your employer but also to protect yourself. CoVid-19 is far from over. There is still a high chance that you can acquire the disease and put your employer in danger. Staying home is still very relevant at this stage and there’s no other way for you to protect yourself but to stay informed and vigilant.