coronavirus restrictions

Taglit Birthright participants visit at the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem on August 18, 2014 (Flash90)

Health Ministry weighing permits to allow tourist groups back into Israel

Unnamed official notes political sensitivities surrounding recognition of vaccination passes from nations using shots not approved by Israel, such as UAE’s use of Chinese doses

April 9, 2021, 12:14 pm

Health Ministry weighing permits to allow tourist groups back into Israel

Unnamed official notes political sensitivities surrounding recognition of vaccination passes from nations using shots not approved by Israel, such as UAE’s use of Chinese doses

By TOI staff

Israelis at a cafe in Tel Aviv, on April 07, 2021. (Miriam Alster/FLASH90)

April 9, 2021, 2:58 am

Israel will fully reopen in a month if no new rise in contagion, virus czar says

Authorities waiting to see there is no infection spike after Passover holiday, return to schools; Israel reportedly to begin testing travelers before they disembark from planes

By TOI staff

Students wearing face masks go to school in Yad Mordechai, March 7, 2021 (Flash90)

April 9, 2021, 12:35 am

Government eases virus restrictions at schools, ends capsules for 4th graders

Ministers also allow exams to be held in-person at universities and colleges, lowers percentage of 11th and 12th graders who must be vaccinated to hold full classes

By TOI staff

Beitar Jerusalem fans cheer during the State Cup match between Beitar Jerusalem F.C. and Ashdod F.C. in the Teddy stadium, Jerusalem, on March 17, 2021. (Flash90)

April 8, 2021, 6:20 am

Ministers ease outdoor gathering restrictions as virus rates continue to slide

Restrictions on unvaccinated participating in Memorial Day events lifted; decision on increasing number of Israelis flying in and out of country postponed

By TOI staff

Israelis enjoy the beach on a hot spring day, in Tel Aviv, April 6, 2021.(Miriam Alster/FLASH90)

April 7, 2021, 4:31 pm

Ministers expected to lift more restrictions as virus rates continue to slide

Coronavirus cabinet will vote on raising number of people allowed to gather outdoors from 50 to 100, ease requirement for students to study in small groups

By TOI staff

April 7, 2021, 1:49 pm

Daily Briefing Apr. 7 – Rivlin taps Netanyahu for another Catch-22 coalition

Tune in Sunday through Thursday to hear ToI editors and reporters quickly catch you up on what’s important today

By TOI staff

Illustrative: Israelis march in protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, at the entrance to Jerusalem, January 30, 2021. (Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)

April 4, 2021, 7:50 pm

High Court: Protest limits during 2nd lockdown were unlawful, all fines annulled

Government said restrictions were imposed to protect against outbreak, but critics maintained rules designed to halt anti-Netanyahu demonstrations

By TOI staff

Nuns pose for a selfie as they mark Palm Sunday on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, March 28, 2021. (AP Photo/ Mahmoud Illean)

March 29, 2021, 12:07 pm

Christians mark Palm Sunday in Jerusalem, Bethlehem as COVID constraints eased

Masked worshipers parade from Mount of Olives to Holy City, in a happier and more populous celebration than last year; Christians attend services in the West Bank

By TOI staff and Agencies

Aerial view of Santiago in lockdown, on March 27, 2021, amid the COVID-19 pandemic (MARTIN BERNETTI / AFP)

March 28, 2021, 5:51 am

Fresh lockdowns, record deaths: Latest global coronavirus developments

Across continents and despite vaccine push, nations are suffering hard under latest wave of pandemic

By AFP

Israelis walk in Jerusalem on March 21, 2021. (Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)

March 25, 2021, 4:57 pm

Virus czar: Soon, Israelis may not have to wear masks outdoors

TV report says decision may be made after Passover; Nachman Ash cheers falling morbidity numbers, urges 1 million remaining eligible people to get vaccinated

By TOI staff

March 20, 2021, 1:20 pm

Overseas fans barred from Tokyo Olympics due to pandemic fears

Unprecedented decision will make this summer’s delayed Tokyo games the first-ever held without overseas spectators

By Sara Hussein and Andrew MCKIRDY

Soccer fans cheer during a match between Beitar Jerusalem FC and Ashdod FC at Teddy Kollek stadium in Jerusalem, on March 17, 2021. (Flash90)

March 18, 2021, 11:01 pm

Ministers okay further easing of virus restrictions, boosting events attendance

Coronavirus cabinet approves increasing capacity at sporting, cultural venues; also expected to set rules on gatherings over Passover, Ramadan

By TOI staff

Passengers walk in the arrivals hall at the Ben Gurion International Airport on March 8, 2021 (Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90)

March 17, 2021, 2:39 pm

High Court annuls daily cap on number of citizens allowed to return to Israel

Justices rule that both the original closure of borders and the current limit of 3,000 daily returnees violate basic rights, especially before next week’s election

By Michael Bachner

Sisters Shuruq Jubran (R) and Amna Kahwaji who died of coronavirus complications within weeks of each other in March 2021. (Courtesy)

March 16, 2021, 12:29 pm

Sisters, aged 23 and 31, die of COVID 10 days apart after giving birth

Health official urges all pregnant women to get vaccinated after double tragedy; overall coronavirus figures continue to decline, with just 602 people in serious condition

By TOI staff

Illustrative: A medical worker of the National Health Organisation (EODY) conducts a rapid test for the coronavirus in Athens, Greece, on February 2, 2021. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)

March 14, 2021, 8:45 pm

Businesses set to offer rapid virus tests to the unvaccinated

Program to begin March 21, allowing unvaccinated to participate in Green Pass activities; COVID czar says no extra restrictions over Passover; nightclubs to reopen

By TOI staff