Coronavirus Update

We first posted about COVID-19 a few weeks ago. Since then, much has changed in Tel Aviv, with more changes coming this week. Last time we mentioned that panic buying was at a minimum and stay at home orders were in place, but essential businesses remained open. Also around the time of the last post, a controversial decision was made to track cell phone data in order to curb the spread of the virus. Proponents saw this as a necessary step for the benefit of the country, while those against it say it may lead to more egregious violations of privacy.

This morning, the government announced that from 4pm Tuesday through 7am Friday, people are not allowed to travel between cities. Additionally, people are not allowed to leave the house from 6pm Wednesday until 7am Thursday. If they do, they will be arrested. These rules go into place two days before Passover, with the government attempting to stop movement of the coronavirus ahead of a holiday that traditionally brings people together.

We have seen a ramping up of efforts by the local police to enforce travel restrictions. At first, the police presence on the beach was there to simply limit gatherings, since the hourly announcements didn’t get the job done. (Much to our chagrin, these announcements can be heard from our apartment well into the night and after we’ve gone to bed).

More recently, police have been confronting everyone walking along the beach. People are supposed to stay within 100 meters of their buildings, so it seems they assume if you are on the beach, you’re not following those orders. We’ve even seen police boats chase down swimmers (it’s hilarious). Ironically enough, I can see police and IDF troops gathered in a group of 8 as I write this.

As we prepare to go into lockdown this week, we’re thankful for video chats, puzzles and Netflix. We’ve been going through a ton of books, and have found puzzles and audiobooks make for a relaxing combo. We’re also thankful that the government here has taken the situation seriously from the onset. The first case was confirmed on February 21st, and action was quick and decisive following that news. As of this writing, Israel has just over 9000 confirmed cases and 61 deaths.