RAMALLAH, Saturday, April 03, 2021 (WAFA) – The Palestinian government has agreed to ease lockdown restrictions in place across the West Bank starting tomorrow until April 12^th.

The government spokesman Ibrahim Melhem announced a set of measures for easing restrictions while continuing to follow safety measures on preventing the spread of Covid-19, including mask and social distancing requirements.

Following a flattening of the COVID-19 epidemiological curve, and after weeks of school closures due to a spike in coronavirus deaths and cases, Melhem announced the reopening of kindergartens and all public, private and UNRWA-run schools for students from first to sixth grade, on April 11^th. Remote learning will continue for the remaining grades.

All universities, academic and vocational institutes of all levels will resume distance learning, with the exception of first-grade and postgraduate students, and courses requiring special facilities, such as labs.

Melhem said all teachers should be able to get vaccinated against Covid-19 starting April 5^th, starting with those in their 50s.

The full lockdown on Fridays and Saturdays - with the exception of shops which are deemed to be essential, including pharmacies and bakeries - and the night lockdown from 7:00 pm until 6:00 am all weekdays will remain in effect.

Weddings, parties, funeral homes, and any other forms of public gathering are prohibited.

Private institutions and productive and industrial sectors should be working at a maximum capacity of 50 percent of their staff.

Commercial stores and restaurants are allowed to reopen while maintaining strict health measures and at a maximum capacity of 50 percent of their staff.

Banks are asked to operate at an emergency pace and in accordance with the instructions of the Palestine Monetary Authority.

T.R.