Covid, Israel does not rule out lockdowns for September holidays

Given the resumption of infections due to the Delta variant, the new director general of the Israeli ministry of health, Nachman Ash, does not rule out that the country may have to return to the lockdown again in September, during the period of Jewish holidays starting with Rosh Hashana. “I think we could get to a point where we say: we need a lockdown,” he told Times of Israel broadcaster Channel 13. Ash added that he hopes this is not necessary. And a green pass is being considered. ‘for weddings and other large indoor events. Starting July 21, only people who have been vaccinated, cured of covid or who have a negative test will be able to participate. There will be no limits to those present, but everyone will have to wear a mask, except for drinking and eating. “Our goal is to allow weddings and other celebrations in large halls with minimal damage to the event industry and maximum protection for Israeli citizens,” said Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, quoted by Times of Israel. . A country with one of the highest percentages of vaccinated people in the world, Israel is now facing a resumption of infections due to the delta variant. The last three daily bulletins have all exceeded 750 infections and there are currently over 5,300 active cases, the highest number since 5 April. Severe cases have risen to 54, while there have been 14 deaths in the last week, after two weeks without deaths.