In anticipation of Monday's opening, the Ministry of Health has set new requirements - due to the increase in morbidity • Full return to activity may be postponed to Wednesday • So how will this be done in practice and will inspectors be allowed to drop passengers who do not obey instructions? "Israel today" with the answers to all the questions
On Monday morning, the train movement in Israel will resume, after about two and a half months of downtime due to the social remoteness imposed on us by the Corona. But hardly a day before, it is still unclear whether it will actually be scheduled to return to full train operation on the due date, or even Wednesday. "Israel Today" arranges all the questions and answers for returning the train to activity, whenever.
What does "return to full activity" mean?
Opening of all Israeli train stations for passenger loading and unloading, except for the Sharon roundabout, where a train from Kfar Saba to Herzliya in addition to shuttles is being considered.
Anyone can freely board a train?
No. It will be mandatory to pre-register for any train journey, through a dedicated app that is expected to open.
Will the number of passengers be limited?
It has not yet been decided yet. Minister Miri Regev suggested limiting 650 passengers on each train.
If 650 passengers were enrolled in advance, how would other passengers fare at the various stops?
There is no answer to that, and the issue is still under review.
What tests will be at the stations?
Thermal tests will be conducted for heat at the entrance and wearing a mask.
How will they stand on the docks, especially during the rush hour?
Inspectors will oversee keeping distance. Up to 500 people can stand in line with the crowd.
Will inspectors be allowed to drop off passengers, enforce a mask or fine-tune if the instructions are not kept?
Yes. Enforcement is considered within the trailer if a person takes off a mask, be careful not to comply.
Will food and beverages be allowed in the buffet?
Yes.
Will there be compensation for the period when they did not travel?
Yes. Travelers who prepaid on multi-line began to receive compensation for the downtime: "free monthly" for two weeks for free, purchasing it at half price, or claiming "accrued value" with the balance of one-quarter of the contract cost.
"Pressure from the Ministry of Health"
Over the weekend, the Ministry of Health raised serious concern about the resumption of activity and set new requirements for opening, leading to a dispute with the Ministry of Transport around the outline already formulated. This was the stage where health ministry officials raised the option to postpone the opening.
The transport minister, Miri Regev, was the one to press on Monday, raising a proposal that the number of passengers per train be limited to 650. In addition, it was suggested that every passenger would have to pre-register for travel and purchase the tickets through an app.
"As a result of the increase in morbidity, Regev landed the Israel Railways to find solutions that will allow for the control of the amount of passengers," the Ministry of Transport explained last night. "The issue will be clarified over the next 24 hours, and it is possible that due to the need for passenger service preparation, the train will be delayed for Wednesday."
It is already clear that when the activity is resumed, the train inspectors will be reinforced in order to enforce the guidelines included in the layout. The inspectors will check for a mask, a distance between passengers and the like.
Earlier, last Thursday, a special discussion was held with the NSC's representatives, and at the end Ministers Regev and July Edelstein agreed on a proposed and approved outline. The lines and activity, officials said over the weekend that "the demands and pressure exerted by the Ministry of Health could eventually lead to further rejection."
No sign-in with symptoms
Contrary to a previous decision, the restart when done is not likely to include the Sharon stations, which will remain almost all closed due to railroad electrical work. However, shuttle lines are being planned, along with running a train from Kfar Saba to Herzliya.
One of the main problems right now is the capacity of the trains. The Ministry of Health demanded a "purple note", which would reduce the number of passengers and queues on the docks, or eliminate suburban trains to prevent downloading and rising passengers. It has not yet been decided whether overnight trains will operate or the activity will end at nine.
The stations will be disinfected daily, and the trains at the end of each journey. At the entrance to the stations, thermal tests will be placed for body heat, and train inspectors will prohibit entry to those who are detected with suspicious symptoms. You will not be allowed to enter the station without a mask.
It is also advisable for passers-by at stations not to touch the surfaces, and to wait while maintaining a two-meter distance. There is currently no need to keep a distance within the wagons.
If a point problem is detected at a particular station or line, an immediate cessation of activity at that point will be decided until the subject is checked. It has not yet been decided whether health ministry inspectors will be allowed to impose a fine on the train if instructions are not kept.