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The Third Israeli Lockdown: Not Too Heavy
by D. Rosen
This past Monday 13 Teves, 24 hours after the third lockdown went into effect in Israel, the roads throughout the country were packed almost as usual, according to Pelephone statistics. The news report said that between 6:00 and 15:00, there was only a 20% drop in traffic flow using WAYZ, as compared to last week before the lockdown.
For additional comparison, in the first days of the first lockdown in Nisan, there was a drop of 50% to 60% in traffic flow, while in the second lockdown in Elul, use of WAYZ dropped by 30% to 40%.
This current lockdown will be in effect until January 9 and whoever exceeds the kilometer limit from his home will be fined 500 NIS. However, one is permitted to go beyond this limit for medical or social treatment, demonstrations, sport activities, work or educational needs as permitted. One is also allowed to attend a funeral, wedding or bris, or participate in a court procedure.
In practice, since there are so many exceptions, the police do not enforce much during the days. Since so many chareidim are occupied with various aspects of chinuch, the effect on their routines is minimal. At the same time, there is an extensive vaccination effort underway, as everyone over 60 is encouraged to be vaccinated.
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