Israel: The obligation to use a mask in closed public spaces returns

The Israel announced today the reinstatement of compulsory mask use in enclosed public spaces, following an increase in the number of new coronavirus cases in that country where more than half of its population has received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine. “Due to an increase in cases, the Ministry of Health announced that from noon (12:00 Greek time) today, it will be mandatory to use a mask in all enclosed spaces, except for homes,” the ministry said in a statement. the RES.

Besides the Authorities advised Israelis to wear masks and to large outdoor gatherings“For example, events related to the Gay Pride parades that will take place this weekend,” the ministry said, referring to a rally in Tel Aviv this afternoon that is expected to draw thousands of people.

Children under the age of seven, people with disabilities and those who play sports are exempt from the obligation to wear a mask indoors, clarified the same source. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett warned on Wednesday that if more than 100 new cases of the coronavirus were recorded daily for a week, the use of a mask would become mandatory again.

Postponement of the opening of tourism

As of Monday, health authorities are recording more than 100 new cases daily. On Thursday, 227 new cases were registered by the health authorities, according to the latest available data. The Israel announced on Wednesday the postponement of the opening of its territory to tourists “Due to concerns about the possible spread of the variant Delta strain.”

In January, when the pandemic was at its peak in the country, about 10,000 cases were reported daily in Israel, before a large-scale vaccination campaign reduced the incidence. More than 5 million of Israel’s 9.3 million people (55% of the population) have since received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine. A total of more than 840,000 cases of the new coronavirus have been recorded since the outbreak of the pandemic in Israel and 6,428 deaths from COVID-19.

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