COVID-19 here in Israel
Everyone in the world is dealing with the virus now. The US just blocked all flights from Europe and Israel is quarantining for 14 days every single person arriving in the country. I know several families here who had European vacations planned who had to cancel. Going to Europe from Israel is basically the same as a domestic flight in the US, both in flight duration and cost, so its very common here. To my ears even the words “European vacation” sound exotic, luxurious, and expensive; but its not considered like that here. We also had planned to tour Europe with the kids, but clearly those plans are on hold. We will have to continue to enjoy touring our own little country of Israel instead.
The city of Ra’anana already had a WhatsApp group for updates and has been sending out messages pretty much every day about the virus, sometimes multiple times per day. Before the virus there would be updates once a week or less about various activities in the city. We just finished the three day break for Purim so today was back to school and there were more messages related to that. It feels like they are keeping us updated pretty well, given all the unknowns. The ability to send direct messages to the residents is a great tool for keeping everyone all on the same page. As an example, here is the latest WhatsApp update, run through google translate to get the English:
Dear Residents and Residents of Raanana,
In accordance with the updated Ministry of Health guidelines dated Wednesday, March 11, 20, we would like to update you:
📆 Rejection of urban events
Following the Ministry of Health’s directive not to approve public gatherings of more than 100 people, the municipal events in the fields of culture, sports, leisure and community were canceled and will not take place until after Passover.
Performances, shows, lectures and concerts at the White Hand, the Music and Arts Center and the Music Center, which includes over 100 people canceled from today until a new announcement.
For the benefit of residents who are in isolation and retirees, we are preparing to deliver digital broadcasts of lectures and classes.
The Municipal Music Center will broadcast concerts on digital channels for your enjoyment.
📓 Urban education system
The children return to study in the urban education system after the holiday break. The municipal education system and the shuttle system will work as they should.
Every morning we conduct thorough cleaning operations with bleach at all the educational institutions in the city.
Also, led by the Education Department, staff and school students are currently practicing a special form of distance learning online to make sure that their curriculum is not compromised.
🏀 Classes
At this time, circles up to 80 people simultaneously in a closed place will be in order.
Sports facilities will be limited to up to 80 trainers at a time.
👨👦👦 Youth Movement Activity
Youth movement activities will be held as a series, with a limit of up to 80 people in a closed building.
❤ Services for resident
As a result of this situation, we have increased the telephone response at the urban center. You are welcome to contact us with any questions or concerns, 24 hours a day at 9107 *, at Wetsap: 0528-107107 and in a private message here on the City Facebook.
The municipality provides you with a variety of online municipal services on the municipal website. We urge you to use these services as much as possible and to avoid going to the municipal offices.
Alcohol disinfection facilities were placed in the reception centers and the activity centers of the veteran citizens.
For the health of the elderly residents, a day center for the veteran resident will only be on the island’s center and staff and visitors will not be allowed into the center.
We are preparing to have tailor-made activities for the retired population.
🙇🏻♂ For staying in isolation:
You’re not alone. The Raanana Municipality is here for you. We have provided a unique service for you with the assistance of the Municipal Volunteers. Need some help? You are welcome to contact us through the city center and we will help with everything needed.
With a digital gift book time goes by fun! Feel free to download yours at the following link:
Http://bit.ly/3cO2xrN
Evrit – Hebrew
If you would like to receive regular updates in real time, we invite you to join us for the new information channels and stay up to date on routine and emergency issues:
1. Whatsap Group: http://bit.ly/WAPPUpdates
2. Telegram Group: https://t.me/RaananaUpdates
The Ra’anana Municipality is in direct contact with health ministry officials for status updates, and every day strategic meetings are conducted by Mayor Haim Broida, Deputy Mayor Nir Crystal, Michael Reisman, Haim Goldman, Mayor Ariel Hildesheimer, and the city’s wing managers.
We will of course keep you updated with any new information. Take care, follow the Health Ministry guidelines, and together we will go through that too
Only admins can send messages