JERUSALEM, Aug 4 (NNN-PNN) – Israel’s anti-virus cabinet, decided to reimpose some restrictions, to contain the resurgence of COVID-19 cases, while urging the public to get vaccinated.
After a four-hour session, the cabinet said, starting on Sunday, mask-wearing will be required for outdoor events with more than 100 people.
The Green Pass, reimposed last Thursday, on gatherings of more than 100 people, would be imposed also on events with less than 100 people. The pass allows only vaccinated persons entry to gyms, concerts, synagogues, mosques, churches and other places.
Half of the staff in government offices and workplaces in the public sector will be working from home, in order to decrease the number of people in offices. The cabinet recommended the private sector, to shift its workforce to a work-at-home format.
The cabinet also urged the public “to understand the situation” and “to stop shaking hands, stop hugging and kissing, and to avoid any unnecessary gathering.”
The cabinet said, as the highly contagious Delta variant is spreading quickly, Israelis are urged to “avoid gatherings and get vaccinated. It also warned that more severe restrictions, including closure, will be imposed if the situation gets worse.
A parliamentary committee decided to add 18 additional countries, including the United States, Greece, Egypt and Italy, to the list of “red countries.” Under the cabinet’s decision, “a total ban” will be imposed on flights to “red countries.”
About 57 percent of Israel’s nine million population has been vaccinated with two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, mainly the Pfizer vaccine.
Israel’s Ministry of Health reported 3,460 new COVID-19 cases yesterday, bringing the tally of infections in the country to 882,391.
The death toll from the virus rose by nine to 6,495, while the number of active cases rose to 22,727, the highest since Mar 17, the ministry said.– NNN-PNN
