Ramat Gan: The Israel Diamond Exchange opened its Trading Floor once again on Sunday May 24, 2020 and declared a return to “normal” activity after being closed for two months due to a lockdown being declared by the Government.

However, the Exchange said that from now on, the trading floor “will operate under a new format, in compliance with government mandated safety practices in the workplaces”.

To facilitate this, the huge trading floor has been divided into two areas – one for polished trading and one for rough trading. “The number of traders allowed to sit on the floor has been reduced considerably and transparent partitions have been installed at each table,” IDE said describing the changes. “Traders must maintain a two meter distance, must wear masks and sign a daily health declaration.”

The trading floor was closed on March 15 when lockdown was declared as a result of the Coronavirus crisis. The IDE began “a gradual return to activity” on May 3, as the government gradually lifted restrictions on business activities, IDE noted.

IDE Managing Director Eran Zini said, “We are very excited to reopen our trading floor, which is the heart and soul of the Israel Diamond Exchange. This marks a very significant return to “normality”, and symbolizes that the diamond industry is back in business. Still we are very strictly enforcing government guidelines, since protecting the health and safety of our members is above all.”