Restrictions likely to be reimposed next week, will last 5 weeks — report

The Health Ministry is expected to recommend restrictions on the commercial sector that will start next week and last for five weeks, rather than the previously reported three weeks, the Kan public broadcaster reports.

The ministry expects Israel to reach 2,500 daily coronavirus infections as a weekly average — its benchmark for reimposing restrictions — late next week, the report says, citing senior ministry sources.

Since the restrictions will leave the education system open in low- and medium-infection zones, the restrictions will have to last for more time because the presumed drop in infections that follows will likely be slower, according to the report.

The ministry sources reportedly say that towards the end of the five-week period, certain venues — including performance spaces and shopping malls — will be allowed to open if all participants have a document proving they have either recovered from COVID-19 or been vaccinated against it.

Also allowed will be businesses that operate with a single employee serving a single customer at a time, such as hairdressers and beauty salons.