The Corona cabinet is slated to meet on Monday and decide on whether or not to reinstate weekend business activity.
In a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, Science and Technology Minister Yizhar Shai (Blue and White) opposed lifting restrictions to weekend activities, arguing that shopping centers are a hot spot for coronavirus spread.
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Shai, who is acting as Blue and White's informal expert on coronavirus issues, holds an opinion different from that of Blue and White leader Benny Gantz. In a conversation earlier this week with Health Minister Yuli Edelstein, Gantz asked that the weekend shutdowns be lifted, explaining that business owners were suffering.
At meeting at the Health Ministry on Thursday, as well as a phone conversation with Netanyahu on Thursday evening, most participants felt that the weekend business shutdown should end.
According to cabinet regulations, cabinet decisions can be changed in a phone vote, but only if all ministers agree. If even one objects, the cabinet must convene in full and hold a debate and a vote.
Because Shai expressed reservations about renewing business activity on weekends, it appears that businesses will remain shut this Friday evening and Saturday.
At Monday's meeting, Deputy Director General of the Health Ministry Professor Itamar Grotto will present his recommendations.
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