A full two-week lockdown starts next week subject to cabinet approval

The first of the three-stage closure is due to begin next week before the New Year festival, during which non-essential work and business will be barred, including restaurants, bars and entertainment. Shopping malls and schools will be closed, except for remote instruction. Movement outside the home will be confined to 500 meters, excepting only shopping for essentials. Prayers and other gatherings will follow the Gamzu prescriptions of 10 people indoors and 20 outside.

Certain relaxations will beintrdouced in the second stage, with business allowed to operate during the day and movement allowed outside the home – although not from town to town. The third stage will depend on the success of the first two in containing the emergency of the out-of-control rise of coronavirus infection. The full cabinet is due to approve this lockdown proposal on Sunday.