Health Ministry retracts ease of coronavirus regulations on trains

4 years, 7 months ago - 15 May 2020, The jerusalem post

Health Ministry retracts ease of coronavirus regulations on trains

"We are aware of the need for public transportation, but unfortunately we are not at a stage where we can approve such large crowds congregating."

Outgoing Health Ministry director-general Moshe Bar Siman Tov released a statement late Wednesday night apologizing for a "misunderstanding" in the latest easing of coronavirus restrictions, specifically regarding trains.

Earlier Wednesday night, it was announced that there would be no limit on the number of passengers allowed on a train once they began operating next Sunday, according to Israeli media.

Health Ministry deputy director-general Prof. Itamar Grotto gave Transportation Minister Bezalel Smotrich permission to start running trains again, Ynet reported.

In addition, it was also announced that inter-city buses would be limited to a maximum of 20 passengers, inner city buses could accommodate up to 30 passengers and cabs will be required to only drive one person at a time with the windows open.

While the limitations regarding buses and cabs stay the same, Bar Siman Tov came before Smotrich and the public to apologize for the misunderstanding regarding the resumption of train services on Sunday.

"We are aware of the need for public transportation, but unfortunately, we are not at a stage where we can approve such large crowds congregating," Bar Siman Tov said.

"We hope that the positive trend of declining coronavirus cases will continue and allow for the trains to run."