Israel moved further out of lockdown as children returned to school in grades 1 to 4 and synagogues and hairdressers reopened on Sunday.
In a further easing of restrictions, the Health Ministry has cut the quarantine period for exposure to someone who has tested positive for coronavirus from 14 to 12 days.
After the month-long lockdown imposed in mid-September, measures gradually began to be lifted two weeks ago.
The country has so far suffered 2,554 fatalities during the pandemic.
On Sunday, the first human trials of Israel’s Covid vaccine, BriLife, began at Sheba and Hadassah Hospitals.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “The true exit for coronavirus is in the development of vaccines. Therefore, this is a very important day, which gives a shot of encouragement”.
A new Israeli testing procedure for Covid-19 will cut the wait for results from eight hours to four hours, according to the Jerusalem Post.
Israel’s cabinet is due to meet on Monday to discuss increasing fines for breaching social distancing rules – although the plan is being resisted by strictly Orthodox parties.
Israeli media reported that two weeks ago hundreds of Charedi elementary schools defied restrictions and reopened.
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