Woke up to good news from Israel on ending the Coronavirus lockdown this morning, which I think should be shared widely in English.
With the appropriate caveats that I am not an expert in any relevant field, here's my best understanding of what the Israeli government is doing to end the lockdown:
Israel has had ~200 deaths and ~15,000 confirmed cases so far. It was early to close flights and impose lockdowns.
This morning government announced major relaxation of lockdown: Most businesses allowed to open with the exception of entertainment venues and mass gatherings. Selective lockdown remain on a few (mostly ultra-Orthodox) communities where adherence to guidance has been low.
Most interestingly, the government is imposing an age-based and points-based system for guiding individuals. People over 70 are still on total lockdown and must stay home. People over 65 with any pre-existing conditions must also stay home.
People 50-69 must stay home if they score 2 point or higher on a list of risk factors. People aged 30-49 must stay home if they score 4 or higher on the same scale of risk factors.
The risk factors include: heart/blood issues, diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking for more than ten years, BMI>30, hospitalizations of any kind in the last three years (one point for each hospitalization).
All restaurants/cafes (including falafel stands) are open for take away only. Malls and covered markets remain closed. All other stores are open, but must have social distancing, temperature checks, and antibacterial disinfectant available.
Interestingly, lockdown relaxation will be allowed to continue only so long as new cases remain at 300/day or less and so long as the doubling time remains over 10 days (it is currently at 21 days).
Again, I'm no expert, but these seems like a sensible set of guidelines - and it offers hope.
Worth noting: masks are required in public and there is a NIS 200 (~$60) fine on the spot for not wearing a mask.
No "stay-at-home" orders in place for under 30 year olds. Government has determined that low-risk under-30s acquire immunity in a way that involved very little excess mortality.
What I think is particularly notable here is that the Israeli government is treating citizens as adults: providing transparency and granting them agency in helping the country exit the lockdown.
cc: @ProfKarolSikora @sciencescanner @ScottGottliebMD @MackayIM @RanBalicer @ASlavitt @HelenBranswell @allisonpearson
Correction: Most of the above is govt policy. The "points-based" system is apparently a proposal that has not yet been formally adopted. The rest of the measures are (as far as I can tell) policy: timesofisrael.com/300-new-sick-a…
Phased reopening of schools: timesofisrael.com/education-mini…
Correction: Most of the above is govt policy. The "points-based" system is apparently a proposal that has not yet been formally adopted. The rest of the measures are (as far as I can tell) policy: timesofisrael.com/300-new-sick-a…
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