RAMALLAH, Saturday, February 27, 2021 (WAFA) – Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh announced today a new set of restrictions in response to a recent surge in coronavirus infections, including of British and South African mutants, in Palestine, and as follows:
* A 12-day lockdown of all public and private schools for all classes, including kindergartens, starting tomorrow, February 28, 2021, with the exception of high school students.
* A lockdown of all universities, educational and vocational institutes and shifting to distance e-learning programs. A maximum of 50 percent of administrative staff are allowed access to universities.
* Movement between provinces is strictly prohibited, including to and from Jerusalem.
* Movement of cars and all means of transport are prohibited from 7 pm to 6 am, with a full closure of commercial venues during these hours, with the exception of pharmacies and bakeries.
* A full lockdown on Fridays and Saturdays, with no movement permitted during these days.
* Governors shall enforce a lockdown of any city or refugee camp as necessary.
* Weddings, parties and funerals are prohibited.
* Health clubs are only allowed in outdoors settings.
* Palestinian nationals of Israel are not allowed to enter the West Bank.
* Municipal services, emergency services, food and agricultural supplies, medical staff, bakeries and pharmacies are excluded from this decision.
* Ministries and state departments are asked to function with a maximum of 50 percent of their staff, and each minister is entitled to arrange the working schedule of his/her ministry, except for the Ministry of Health.
* The private and industrial sectors are allowed to function at a rate of 50 percent, including restaurants and cafes.
* Whoever violates any of the provisions of this decision shall be punished by the penalties stipulated by Law No. (7) 2020.
* The commanders of the security services shall undertake the task of issuing orders to implement the provisions of this resolution.
* Governors and the police are tasked with tightening control over places of assembly and overcrowding.
* These procedures shall apply for 12 days from the date of tomorrow, Sunday.
Concerning vaccines, Shtayyeh said global competition was the main cause for the delay of the rollout plan, but said he expects the arrival of the first batch of vaccines to Palestine during the first week of March.
M.N
