#Israel's government is weighing various plans to reduce the lockdown after #Passover , including a gradual opening of schools for special needs students, permitting reduced capacity public transportation, and keeping synagogues closed during the summer. https://www.ynet.co.il/home/0,7340,L-8,00.html

Obviously, these discussions are ongoing and much it dependent on the results over the next week as Israelis celebrate the #Passover holiday at home. The main goal for the government is to cautiously restart the economy (over 1 million Israelis are now unemployed).

Still, there is reason to believe the rollout will be slower than advertised.

After Passover, #Israel commemorates Holocaust Remembrance Day, Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers, and Independence Day. These holidays are normally observed with large public gatherings - no good!

If #Israel wants to really avoid a #coronavirus rebound then keeping gatherings small to non-existent is essential. This will be difficult to enforce/maintain if the quarantine policies are lifted prior to these dates (April 21, 28, and 29).

Another concern is the recent Health Ministry study that indicates 1/3 of infected children under the age of 9 are asymptomatic spreaders of the illness. This should concern officials hoping to restart schools after the holiday. https://www.timesofisrael.com/silent-spreaders-almost-a-third-of-infected-kids-under-9-are-asymptomatic/

Finally, there remain questions about #Israel's testing process. Without consistent and reliable testing in the coming weeks, the Health Ministry won't have a clear picture of the country's situation. You don't want to make these decisions with blurry vision.

So while I assume there was be some kind of gradual easing after Passover, people should be cautious and prepared for mixed government messaging and even retractions as we figure out what the post-quarantine reality truly looks like.

End thread.