Health Minister Yuli Edelstein said Tuesday that his ministry will push for restrictions over the coming Purim festival to clamp down on revelry and prevent violations of limits on public gatherings that could cause a rise in coronavirus infections.
“Today the government will make a final decision. We are receiving reports of party invitations and an increase in the sale of liquor,” Edelstein told Kan News. “I think unfortunately there will be no escape from restrictions — the direction [we take] may be a nighttime lockdown.”
“We are in a critical week after leaving the lockdown and if we just let everything go, I have no doubt that morbidity will rise,” Kisch said. “We must continue to maintain the downward trend, and if everyone gathers together and fails to wear masks as if the [pandemic] is over, that trend will change.”
Purim this year starts on Thursday night and lasts through Sunday. The festival is usually marked with costume parties as well as large communal meals and drinking, in events bringing together family and friends.
Last year, at the start of the pandemic, there was a jump in virus infections after many ignored rules against holding large events.
Synagogues are permitted to reopen on Friday morning, with attendance limited to 10 people indoors and 20 outside, ahead of Purim.
