While cases of COVID-19 continue to increase in many nations around the world, in Israel we are seeing the opposite trend. The curve has not only flattened, it has nearly hit bottom. By early May, only one out of five towns and villages saw any new cases of coronavirus, and the new cases in those towns that did were few. This trend has led a medical correspondent from Israel’s Channel 12 News to boldly declare, “The spread of the COVID-19 virus in Israel has been halted.”[1]

What has led to this rapid turnaround? I believe it is due to the government’s response plan being quick, strong, and well-followed. There was also the understanding that as soon as the nation could safely begin opening back up, it would. Most people can endure difficulty if the reasons are clearly explained and they know it will only be for a season. Protests in the United States are growing in part due to many state restrictions appearing to be arbitrary and open-ended.

Already Israel is beginning to open back up. Businesses are starting to raise their shutters. The doors to popular recreation areas, such as zoos, national parks, nature reserves, and heritage sites, are reopening. Even malls and outdoor markets are being allowed to resume operations.[2] Of course there are restrictions related to number and social distance, and these rules will likely remain for a while. However, becoming reacquainted with the freedoms of movement and commerce has been like a national breath of fresh air.

Attendee limits at religious and social gatherings are also increasing. Weddings, funerals, and circumcisions all have relaxed number restrictions.[3] Grandparents can now be called on by their grandchildren, as visitation doors are opened to second-degree relatives.[4] Some schools are opening, and universities and colleges are looking to mid-June to resume operation.[5]

The reopening of Israel should be an encouragement to the rest of the world. It must also be viewed as a bellwether. If Israel is able to maintain its low number of new infections, then it can set a path for other nations. However, if the virus uses the nation’s new freedoms to come back with a vengeance, then it may be necessary for the world to hunker down and ride this out a little longer.

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[1] “‘Spread of COVID-19 Halted’: 80% of Israel Has Had No New Cases for Days—TV,” TOI staff, Times of Israel, May 1, 2020, retrieved May 6, 2020, https://www.timesofisrael.com/as-new-infections-plummet-cabinet-to-discuss-opening-malls-and-markets/

[2] “No More 100-Meter Limit; Malls, Libraries to Reopen: All the Eased Regulations,” TOI staff, Times of Israel, May 5, 2020, retrieved May 6, 2020, https://www.timesofisrael.com/malls-libraries-gyms-and-zoos-the-businesses-that-can-reopen-under-new-rules/?utm_source=dlvr.it

[3] “No More 100-Meter Limit,” Times of Israel

[4] “Health Ministry Said to Favor Allowing Visits to Grandparents, Opening Beaches,” TOI staff, Times of Israel, May 3, 2020, retrieved May 6, 2020, https://www.timesofisrael.com/health-ministry-said-to-favor-allowing-visits-to-grandparents-opening-beaches/?utm_source=dlvr.it

[5] “No More 100-Meter Limit,” Times of Israel