Israel, Ranked No.1 in Vaccination Rate, Lifts Outdoor Mask Mandate

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Israel, which has the fastest COVID-19 vaccination rate in the world, will lift the outdoor mask-wearing mandate starting from the 18th (local time).

According to the Times of Israel on the 15th (local time), Yuli Edelstein, Israel's Minister of Health, stated, "Experts have determined that masks are no longer necessary outdoors," announcing this decision.

Minister Edelstein said, "Masks are a means to protect us from the coronavirus," adding, "However, they are no longer needed outdoors." Masks must still be worn indoors.

Israel secured a large quantity of the Pfizer vaccine early and proceeded with rapid vaccinations. Since beginning vaccinations on December 19 last year, over 57% of the population has received the first dose, and 53% have completed the second dose.

New confirmed cases are also declining. The number of new cases, which surged to nearly 12,000 at the end of January, has steadily decreased and recently has been recorded in the 100 to 200 range.

There is also an assessment that Israel may have reached herd immunity. Dr. Eran Siegel of the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel stated, "Most economic activities have normalized, and festivals such as Purim and Passover took place, but infection indicators did not worsen," diagnosing that "there is a possibility that herd immunity has been achieved."

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