Due to the continued rise in infection rates, as a result of the spread of Covid-19, the Israeli government decided upon a new set of restrictions, which include, imposing a third lockdown in many areas of life.

As a part thereof, a Temporary Order was enacted, whereby, as of Sunday, December 27, 2020, at 17:00, new limitations would be imposed on workplaces.

The rule is that workplaces that have more than 10 employees cannot permit the physical attendance of over 50% of their employees (or 10 employees, the higher of the two), at any one time.

There are a few exceptions to the rule.

The main exception relates to workplaces in the industries detailed in the Second Appendix to the Regulations that limit workplace activity. This list of industries (which is similar to the industries that were excluded from the restrictions imposed on workplaces during the September-October 2020 lockdown), includes the financial sector; health; optics; pharma; energy and water; food and beverages; transport and storage services; agriculture; toiletries; cleaning, hygiene and cosmetics; transport; media and communications; environmental protection; deliveries and couriers; taxation, etc. These workplaces are not subject to the 50% attendance limitation, provided the employees in attendance are necessary for the provision of the product or service.

Additional workplaces excluded from the 50% attendance limitation, include enterprises that provide essential services (as defined in the Emergency Labour Services Law); workplaces with a special permit to employ employees during rest periods (at which it is possible to permit the attendance of the number of employees, as stated on the permit, or 50% of the workforce, the higher of the two); workplaces that are engaged in the field of construction or infrastructure (that work outdoors); and additional specific exclusions, including defense enterprises as well as public and educational institutions.

The “Purple Seal” rules shall continue to apply in all cases of physical attendance at the workplace, as previously in effect, and detailed in our previous updates.

At this stage, the Temporary Order limiting employee attendance at workplaces shall be in effect until January 9, 2021.

In parallel, an additional Temporary Order was enacted, limiting various activities, and prohibiting the opening to the public of certain workplaces, including workplaces in the retail sector (with the exception of shops that provide essential services or products).

As always, we are at your disposal for any questions or assistance regarding the new limitations and their effect on the workplace.

The Labour and Employment Department
Herzog Fox & Neeman