A little less than a month and a half ago, Tel Aviv managed to celebrate the Purim holiday as usual: Crowds of celebrators filled the many entertainment spots in the city. The coronavirus outbreak was at its very onset in Israel and people were still allowed to congregate. Since then, Tel Aviv's reality has changed beyond recognition as the coronavirus spread, leading to drastic steps taken in Israel as part of the efforts to curb the spread of the pandemic.
About a month ago, authorities began to impose restrictions and limitations on crowds and gatherings, even leaving one’s home. Thus Tel Aviv, labeled by Israel and the entire world as the “city that never stops,” became paralyzed. The city’s multitude of businesses — including restaurants, bars and hotels — were forced to close their doors. And no one can predict when things will return to normal.