March 26, 2020
Dear Clients and Friends,
Following our previous updates, we hereby inform you of new regulations entitled “Emergency Regulations (The New Coronavirus Restriction on Activities) (Amendment)-2020”, which entered into effect on March 25, 2020, and shall be in effect for seven days (the “Regulations“). Anyone who violates the obligations set forth in the Regulation may be subject to administrative fines of between NIS 500 to 5,000 (approximately USD 138-1380). The following is a summary of the major points covered by the Regulations:
Restrictions on Transportation and Workplace Activities
Under the Regulations, people are permitted to leave their place of residence only for the following purposes: (1) going to their workplace, provided that such workplace is authorized to operate under the current emergency regulations; (2) obtaining food, medicine and other essential products and services; (3) obtaining medical services; (4) donating blood; (5) protesting; (6) legal proceedings; (7) attending the Knesset (i.e. the Israeli legislative branch); (8) welfare services; (9) leaving one’s place of residence within a one hundred-meter radius; (10) religious ceremonies conducted in an open space; (11) providing medical assistance to another person or providing other relief to a person who requires assistance; (12) educational activity which was approved under applicable emergency regulations; (13) transporting a minor between parents who live separately; and (14) transporting a minor in other circumstances where the minor’s parent is required to perform essential activity.
The Regulations set forth additional prohibition on the operation of certain businesses (such as, businesses that operate from homes).
Instructions for Employers
Under the Regulations it is still permitted for businesses to operate, provided their field of business falls within the scope of businesses that are allowed to operate under the applicable emergency regulations (see our previous Client Memo on this matter). Accordingly, employees are permitted to arrive at such workplace, provided that the employer has reduced the number of employees as required, and complying with all other restrictions (e.g., two meter space between employees).
The Regulations state that an employer is required to measure the temperature (by non-invasive means), of anyone entering the workplace (not just for its employees). Furthermore, the employer must restrict the entry of anyone with a temperature of 38°C or higher.
The Regulations permit the operation of a shuttle service for employees, for as long as such service is in compliance with the Israeli Ministry of Health’s instructions (e.g. one line of seats behind the driver must be left empty). In light of the limitations of public transport services, it is recommended that employers examine the ability of their employees to arrive at the workplace and back to their homes, in order for the employer to comply with the Regulations.
We will be happy to assist you in examining the relevant facts for your business, in order to ensure your compliance with all the current regulations.
Please note that our firm is at your service during these unique times. We are continuing our work and are available by email, telephone, and, if required, even face-to-face meetings where permitted.
For additional information please contact Atty. Yael Dolev at 03-6074800; email: yaeldo@gkh-law.com, or Atty. Idan Fefer at 03-6074800; email: idanf@gkh-law.com
Gross & Co. (GKH), is one of the leading law firms in Israel, with over 170 attorneys. GKH specializes, both in Israel and abroad, in various fields of law including Mergers and Acquisitions, Capital Markets, Technology, Healthcare and Life Science, Banking, Real Estate, Project Finance, Litigation, Antitrust, Energy and Infrastructure, Environmental Law, Intellectual Property, Labor Law and Tax.
This alert is prepared as an informational service to clients and colleagues of Gross & Co. (GKH) and the information presented is not intended to provide legal opinions or advice. Readers should seek professional legal advice regarding the matters about which they are particularly concerned.
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