This is an official message from the Ministry of Health in Israel. They are in a nationwide “Shelter in Place” as of today.
March 17th 2020
The latest info from the Ministry of Health of Israel
1. Do not leave home except when absolutely necessary (for work, in accordance with the restrictions set out below and in accordance with separately published regulations regarding purchase of groceries and medicines, medical services and other essential services).
2. Do not leave home to go to parks, playgrounds, the beach, pool, libraries, museums, nature reserves and parks or other public spaces, except with children in a family framework or with a pet (by yourself).
3. Do not hold classes and extracurricular activities, not even with a minimum number of participants, including sports classes and gyms. This regulation applies to both private and public classes and extracurricular activities. Sporting activities may be held in a group of up to 5 people on condition that a distance of two meters is maintained between them.
4. Social connections should be maintained by remote communication. Avoid hosting friends and family who do not reside in your home.
5. Guidelines for at-risk populations — The elderly and people of any age with severe chronic diseases; long-term respiratory illnesses including asthma; autoimmune diseases; cardiovascular disease; diabetes; immune system disorders and conditions; malignant illnesses should all avoid leaving their homes as far as is possible and hosting people at home, except for essential services. Seek assistance from friends and family to bring supplies.
6. Reducing the need to leave home by employing the following tools:
a. Remote work, video calls and conferencing.
b. Every employer must make sure a distance of two meters between employees is maintained and ensure personal and environmental hygiene rules are also maintained.
c. Delivery services — only as far as the doorstep
d. Dental care — It is recommended to postpone all treatments and perform only absolutely necessary and emergency treatments.
Further Rules of Conduct:
7. Using health services:
a. If you do have a health problem, it is advisable to use remote medical services and to avoid going to the clinic as far as possible in accordance with HMO guidelines published online and in the media.
b. Immediately upon commencement of quarantine, establish communication channels with your HMO. Check online or with family members what to do if you require medical services (you need to make sure you know how to contact the HMO and follow the HMO guidelines).
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.
d. 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.
If you have a febrile illness, you should remain in isolation for up to two days after the fever has ended. The rest of the family should be isolated only in the event that you have been found positive for coronavirus.
Avoid physical contact including hugs and handshakes.
Do not open doors with the palm of your hand.
Avoid touching your face.
Wash your hands frequently.
Ventilate your home as much as possible.
Disinfect handles and doors.
Do not smoke cigarettes, e-cigarettes or hookahs – This is a good opportunity to stop smoking!
Do not use shared utensils for eating and do not share food from mouth to mouth.
Maintain a healthy diet and exercise while staying at home.