10,000 to 12 in 4 Months... Israel Lifts COVID-19 Restrictions

Indoor Mask Wearing Mandate Remains in Effect

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Israel, where the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases plummeted from over 10,000 to around 10 in four months, has decided to lift all quarantine measures except for indoor mask-wearing.

Yuli Edelstein, Israel's Minister of Health, announced on the 23rd (local time) that "we will not request an extension of the current quarantine measures," according to major foreign media reports.

Accordingly, from June, the immunity certificate system 'Green Pass' and indoor/outdoor social distancing measures will be lifted. However, the indoor mask-wearing mandate will be maintained for the time being, and measures to strengthen quarantine and testing for inbound and outbound travelers are being considered.

Minister Edelstein explained, "Israel is returning to normal daily life," adding, "The current infection rate indicators are at a level where the 'Green Pass' and 'Purple Pass' (social distancing restrictions for unvaccinated individuals indoors) systems can be abolished."

Israel was criticized for its poor initial response to COVID-19 but reversed the situation by securing the Pfizer vaccine early.

On January 20, when the third wave peaked, cases surged to over 10,000, but four months later, the day before yesterday, the number dropped to 12.

Israel began vaccinations with the Pfizer vaccine on December 20 last year, and so far, about 62.9% of the population has received the first dose, and 59.1% have completed the second dose. Among those aged 50 and over, 92% of the population has either been vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19.

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