Israel votes to reopen all public libraries despite virus surge

Coronavirus cabinet also approves NIS 500,000 addition to the writers royalties' budget following efforts of culture and sports minister, who says country has a responsibility for the virus-hit culture industry
Yuval Plotkin|
Israel on Wednesday approved the immediate reopening of all public libraries despite the surge in coronavirus case and a talk about another nationwide lockdown.
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  • The coronavirus cabinet voted to reopen the libraries via a telephone survey just hours after it was reported that Israel has recorded its highest number of new daily COVID-19 cases since October 12.
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    Public libraries will be able to open immediately
    Public libraries will be able to open immediately
    Public libraries will be able to open immediately
    (Photo:: Shutterstock)
    In addition, the budget for writers' royalties will be increased by an additional NIS 500,000 after NIS 2.7 million were previously approved.
    The measures were approved due to the efforts of Culture and Sports Minister Hili Tropper.
    “The whole world of literature is important and makes up a significant part of the cultural world. I am happy about the reopening of all public libraries as well as the addition to the writers' royalties,” said Tropper in a statement.
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    חילי טרופר
    חילי טרופר
    Culture and Sports Minister Hili Tropper
    (Photo: Gil Yohanan)
    "We have a responsibility for those in the culture industry affected by the coronavirus. We invite everyone to come to the libraries all while following the rules that will ensure the health of every visitor. We will do our best so that the libraries can continue to operate even if additional restrictions are imposed,” added Tropper.
    The reopening of libraries comes a week after ministers approved reopening of museums following a successful pilot conducted at a number of selected institutions.
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