New emergency regulations come into effect; violators face fines, prison sentence

As of 5 p.m today, new emergency regulations have come into effect banning people from going more than 100 meters from their homes as the government attempts to halt the spread of the coronavirus. The regulations will be in place for a period of seven days.

Anyone who leaves their place of residence for reasons not exempted by the emergency regulations is liable to be fined up to NIS 5,000. A person who has gone beyond the permitted distance could receive an NIS 500 fine or six months’ imprisonment, while one who operates public transportation in violation of the regulations can be fined NIS 5,000 or be imprisoned for six months.

The emergency regulations were approved last night by the cabinet. They place further limitations on public transportation and obligate employers to take the temperature of employees. Anyone whose body temperature is 38 degrees Celsius or higher will not be allowed to enter.