Israel allowed some businesses to reopen on Sunday as it begins to eases down lockdown measures imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Israeli authorities are also considering letting children return to school in a bid to avoid losing more learning time.

Delivery services were allowed to resume work as restaurants were also given the greenlight to provide take-away meals.

Israel has reported 15,398 cases of COVID-19 and 199 deaths, but thousands of people have been holding protests against the lockdown measures.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to begin discussions on Monday about the gradual reopening of schools.

With unemployment hitting 27% last week, the government also approved stipends for small businesses and other emergency grants on Sunday.

Officials have however said the easing of restrictions could be reversed if Israel suffered new contagions.

"If we are diligent about three rules - masks, social distancing and hygiene - I believe that we will succeed in combining routine life with preventing the spread of the disease. Do not be nonchalant," Health Ministry director-general Moshe Bar Siman Tov said on Twitter.