Spokesman Office
Ministry of Health
P.O.B 1176 Jerusalem 91010
dover@moh.health.gov.il
Tel: 02-5081220/5 Fax: 02-5655965
21 Adar 5768
March 17, 2020
Reference: 159050420
[Unofficial translation by IMRA]

Ministry of Health announces: Ban on going to parks, malls, beach Here are the new guidelines from the Ministry of Health:

1. Do not leave home, except in situations that require it (work in accordance with the prescribed limits set forth below and in accordance with the separately published regulations, food, medicine, medical services and other essential services).

2. Do not leave home for parks, playgrounds, the beach, pool, libraries, museums, nature reserves and parks or other public spaces, except for taking out children exclusively within the framework in the family or with an animal (alone).

3. There are no classes at all, not even a minimum number of participants, including sports clubs and gyms. This rule also applies to circles held in a public setting and in private settings. An unorganized sporting activity can be carried out in a group of up to 5 people, with a distance of two meters.

4. Social connections should be maintained by remote communication and avoid hosting by friends and family who do not reside at home.

5. Guidelines for at-risk populations – Elderly and people with severe chronic illnesses of any age, prolonged respiratory illnesses including asthma, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, immune system disorders and conditions, malignant diseases and immune system disorders should avoid going out of the house as much as possible, hosting people at home, except for essential services. Friends and family should help to bring home supplies.

6. Reducing the need for people to leave home with the following tools:

A. Remote work, video calls and conferencing
B. Every employer must keep a two-meter distance between employees and ensure personal and environmental hygiene rules.
C. Delivery services – only at the doorstep
D. Going for Dental Care – It is recommended to postpone all treatments and perform only in necessary and emergency situations

7. Even when leaving home in situations that require this (see section 1) – contact between persons must be reduced and a distance of 2 meters must be kept.

8. Use health services:

A. If there is a health problem, it is advisable to use medical services remotely and not physically reach the clinic as much as possible and in accordance with HMO guidelines online and in the media.
B. Immediately upon commencement of the quarantine, the communication channels with the HMO of which you are members must be established. If you need medical advice (you need to make sure you know how to contact the HMO and follow the HMO guidelines), check the Internet or with family members if you need medical assistance.
C. If you feel that you are developing illness, fever, with or without respiratory symptoms, you should go into home isolation and avoid contact with family members. Temperature should be measured twice a day. If you are concerned – contact your doctor or the referral center of the HMO you are a member of.
D. In the case of an illness with fever, the patient should be in isolation for up to two days after the fever has ended. The rest of the family is in isolation only in the case of Corona.

Additional rules of conduct

Avoid physical contact including hugs and shakes
Do not open doors with the palm of your hand
Avoid touching your face
Wash hands frequently
Maximum ventilation of the house
Handles and doors must be disinfected
Avoid kissing mezuzahs and other sacred objects
Avoid smoking cigarettes, e-cigarettes or hookahs – this is a good opportunity to stop smoking!
Avoid using one tool for shared eating or avoid sharing food here and there Healthy nutrition and exercise must be followed while staying at home (separate guidelines).

Rules for behavior outside the home

1. When is it allowed to go out

A. Need for urgent medical care – Patients with fever and respiratory symptoms should be prohibited from leaving the home, except in medical emergencies.
B. Employees – in accordance with government directives and regulations to be published separately.
C. Going out for the purchase of essential supplies if delivery is not possible by delivery or by a family member (in the case of elderly or chronically ill patients).
D. Funerals – reduce as much as possible to the required minimum and close family members and keep a distance of 2 meters between people. Avoid staying in confined spaces.
G. A 10-minute walk can be taken in isolated locations or out in the yard. You should go alone in the elevator or without proximity to other people.
F. Watching children – Two families that are together regularly can keep toddlers.

2. How to behave while leaving home

A. Exit in a private vehicle – One person only in the vehicle or family members of the same household, except when an essential escort is needed such as evacuation for non-urgent medical care.
B. Public transport should be avoided as much as possible – detailed guidance on the need for a separate escort such as non-urgent medical treatment should be provided separately.
C. Keeping a distance of two meters from each person when you reach a public
place with people.
D. Ensure hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene.

3. How to behave at work

A. Employees must be kept at least two meters away in all places and descriptions where the employees are.
B. Temperature should be measured before leaving for work. If there is a fever or signs of respiratory illness, no work should be done and insulation rules must be followed at home. It is recommended to maintain a temperature log (morning and evening measurement)
C. Hands should be washed at the entrance and exit to work, and at least every 3 hours.
D. Try as hard as possible not to touch the nose and mouth, and wash hands after contact of this kind.
E. Tissue / toilet paper should be distributed close to all employees.
F. The rules of conduct as outlined above must be followed.

4. As of Sunday, March 22, elective activity in the public hospitals will cease. A detailed message will follow.

5. Retail stores which are not defined as essential in the order (such as food, pharmaceutical, and toiletries) must be closed.

Regards,

Eyal Basson
Spokesman for the Ministry of Health