9 Apr 2020

Coronavirus: Jerusalem marks Easter with restricted movement

From Morning Report, 8:47 am on 9 April 2020

Easter will be a lot different in Jerusalem this Easter because of the coronavirus.

In the city where it all happened, the restriction of movement will mean that the streets will be largely empty making it difficult for Jews and Christians to celebrate this time of the year, while isolation will also affect Muslims who are about to mark the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.

Travel between cities is banned until tomorrow, with roadblocks erected at main junctions leading from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv.

Israel this week imposed special holiday restrictions to try to halt the spread of the disease with Jews only able to celebrate the traditional seder meal with immediate family.

Liat Collins is the Editor of the International Jerusalem Post and just before Passover started she told producer Barry Guy that everything is different for them and their city this year. Israel has reported more than 9,400 cases and at 72 deaths from Covid-19.