The fear factor
I’m scared.
We are conditioned, especially in Israel, to adopt the “yihye b’seder” approach – it will be ok – to any and all crises. But the challenge of the coronavirus outbreak is far different from all the previous trials we’ve had to face – whether it be the Six Day or Yom Kippur wars, scud attacks from Iraq, the bloody Second Intifada or the ongoing rocket attacks on the South.
Our lives changed drastically during all those periods. And in all cases, except for the seemingly unsolvable situation in the South, they all returned to normal.
But now I’m scared that “normal” will never return – and if it does, it will be a reality far different than what we’ve known until now.
I’m not scared about getting infected with the coronavirus and dying. Even though I’m just over the
crowding.
“We are taking this measure following instructions from the Health Ministry to reduce activity and movement in the public space,” Ber said. “The measure will enable continuity in the provision of banking services to the broad public, while maintaining the health of the public and of bank employees. I call on the public to make all banking transactions through direct means: by phone, ATMs, banking applications and bank websites.”
Labor and Welfare Minister Ofir Akunis and National Insurance Institute director-general Meir Spiegler agreed to roll out a series of measures to assist business owners and self-employed workers.
Measures include the deferral of social-security and health-insurance payments for April and implementing an absolute freeze on debt enforcement procedures, including those for foreclosures.
“In the past few days, I have been in continuous contact with all the entities and organizations representing different sectors affected by the coronavirus crisis,” Akunis said. “The Labor and Welfare Ministry has a significant role in attempting to make it as easy as possible for employees and employers in the market. Requests made by the self-employed and employers found attentive ears and led us to the decision on a series of relief measures.”
According to figures published by the Manufacturers Association of Israel, quarantine measures affecting some 70,000 employees have cost businesses about NIS 500 million to date, in addition to losses worth nearly NIS 3.9b. caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
The manufacturers association, together with the Association of Craft and Industry and the Israeli Organization of Cleaning Companies, submitted a petition to the High Court of Justice on Monday, demanding that the government fund the cost of days spent by workers in quarantine.
Struggling airline El Al said it was holding discussions with the Finance Ministry to receive assistance to cope with the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. Precise details of support sought by the airline were not disclosed.
As passenger demand drops across the global aviation industry, Ramon International Airport announced it would shut down every night from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. starting Wednesday. •