'Israel, Ranked No.1 in Vaccinations, Likely to Ease Mask Mandate'

Easing Lockdown Measures
61% of the Entire Population Vaccinated After First Dose

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Israel has decided to further ease lockdown measures as the vaccination rate for the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine surpassed 50% of the population. While the spread of COVID-19 continues in some countries such as India and Brazil, there is an analysis that Israel has entered a state of herd immunity.

According to local media on the 8th (local time), Israel's COVID-19 response cabinet meeting approved the fifth phase of lockdown easing measures the day before.

Accordingly, the outdoor gathering limit will increase from 50 to 100 people for two weeks until the 22nd. However, the indoor gathering limit of 20 people will be maintained.

The limit for cultural events that require a 'Green Pass,' an immunity certificate for vaccinated and recovered individuals, will also increase from 500 to 750 people.

For outdoor events such as sports stadiums, the limit will be raised from 5,000 to 10,000 people.

Additionally, Israel is reported to have internally approved the easing of the mask-wearing mandate.

However, considering the recent impact of the Passover festival, the easing measures will be postponed until Independence Day (14th-15th). The government is expected to implement the mask mandate easing around the 18th if it judges that the spread of infection is not severe.

Earlier in December, Israel imported the Pfizer vaccine and began nationwide vaccinations, with over 4.894 million people, more than 52.5% of the total population (about 9.3 million), having completed the second dose. Additionally, 61% of the entire population has received at least one dose, ranking first in the world in vaccination rate.

Currently, Israel's daily new confirmed cases remain in the 200-300 range.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.