Israel Reopening Continues Despite Jitters

Reports of coronavirus infection in Israeli kindergartens have increased jitters over a possible resurgence of the pandemic as the country lifts restrictions.

In Tel Aviv, a kindergarten teacher who had been diagnosed with the coronavirus was subsequently cleared when it was determined that the test was a false positive, according to the Health Ministry on Thursday evening.

The kindergarten, which was closed after the initial diagnosis, was permitted to re-open.

The virus was also reported surfacing in a number of other cities on Thursday, including two kindergartens in Bnei Brak, and in a nursing home in the central town of Rosh Ha’ayin, Channel 12 reports.

Dozens of children were sent into quarantine.

Nevertheless, the government is pushing ahead with a re-opening of the schools and the economy.

The Bnei Brak municipality said school will resume on Sunday.

Health Minister Yuli Edelstein has approved a recommendation to permit indoor gatherings of up to 50 people, on condition that masks are worn and social distancing maintained.

The Ministry is also seeking to reduce the space required between employees under which they may work without masks, from 1.5 meters to 1.2.

Edelstein said, “Now is the time to open,” but warned, “We cannot be complacent.”