Coronavirus Cabinet Decides to Reopen Schools and Business

The coronavirus cabinet debated back and forth for an entire day until they decided that schools will be reopened on the 1st of November. However, only grades one till four will be allowed to resume academic activities. 

Where first and second graders will only be allowed to go to school three days a week, grades three and four will study all five days. But, all four grades will be studying in capsules. 

The Finance Ministry and Health Ministry together decided to also reopen businesses from the same day. The two ministries will once again have a meeting later to come to a decision regarding the issues of transportation and afternoon programs. Their get together will be medicated by the National Security Council itself. 

Netanyahu, the Prime Minister, stated at the cabinet meeting that in his opinion, the fines should be increased. He believes that it will deter people from violating guidelines. He also stressed on coming up with regulations against those who go are non-compliant with the guidelines, especially at events, weddings, or anywhere else that could lead to mass infection. 

Frustrated parents waited until almost 10 pm to know whether they would be sending their children back to school or not. 

At the end of the meeting, the cabinet decided that the resumption of afternoon programs for businesses and children will be discussed the next day. 

The Prime Minister’s Office along with the Health Ministry informed in the early hours of Sunday evening that they will be extending the current restrictions on the economy. However, these are said to only last until next Sunday. The cabinet gave the go-ahead to reopen boarding schools for the at-risk youth in the country. They also granted permission for outdoor educational activities to take place, given that there are 15 participants or less. 

Many debates took place at the meeting, specifically between the Finance, Education, and Health ministries. All three of them failed to agree on sending first and second graders to school. 

Yuli Edelstein, the Health Minister, stated that each proposal was presented with the same central aim; adherence to the regulations. 

Yoav Gallant, the Minister for Education, was quite unhappy with the delay of the decision regarding afternoon school programs. He said that delaying the decision will also delay the time for preparations. He stressed on the country’s need for preparation to implement any plan. 

The proposal presented by the coronavirus cabinet poses a dilemma for the parents. Most of them will not be returning full time to work however, they will have to spend nearly half the week looking after their children. 

As the coronavirus cabinet deliberated over what decision to make, Arye Deri, the Interior Minister, urged the members. In his opinion, the decision cannot be put off any longer. He advised that grades one and two should reopen fully, whereas the other two should be allowed to resume activities in capsules. 

On the other hand, Education Ministry revealed that 332 preschoolers had tested positive for the coronavirus so far.