More men can now use the mikvah, ritual bath, as long as the facility is large enough, the Israeli government declared late Tuesday night after a phone meeting to update and extend several coronavirus emergency regulations. In addition, people traveling from abroad will still need to quarantine.A joint statement was issued by the Prime Minister's Office and the Health Ministry.
Specifically, the new men’s mikvah regulations align with those designed for swimming pools: One person in every six square-meters, as opposed to a maximum of three people in any mikvah complex at a time - the rule until now.
The government said this updated regulation is in effect until June 15.
Moreover, officials extended the requirement for travelers to isolate at home or in one of the state-sponsored “coronavirus hotels” until June 16. Those wishing to quarantine at home will need to provide proof that they have the capacity to do so.
Finally, the government said that any restricted zones that have been determined by the current committee for establishing these areas will be in effect through June 16. After that, the committee’s makeup will be changed to include Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz and Finance Minister Israel Katz. It was also agreed that any decision to declare a restricted zone will be approved only with the agreement of the prime minister and alternate prime minister.
In its message about the updated regulations, the government reminded the public to follow its three ironclad rules: wear a mask, keep a two-meter distance and maintain good hygiene.