Israel announced on Friday the return of indoor masks in view of the steady increase in cases of COVID-19 with the highly contagious Indian strain, Reuters reported. The decision comes just 10 days after the country’s authorities allowed the masks not to be worn in closed public places.
The updated rules are due to apply from noon today in all enclosed spaces, and the country’s health ministry has also urged people to wear masks outside when in large outdoor groups.
Nahman Ash, head of the pandemic task force, told public radio that the need arose after more than 100 new cases a day emerged in the country, which boasts one of the world’s most successful vaccination campaigns.
An exception is made for children up to 7 years of age, as well as during sports.
Israel’s health ministry has restored the requirement to wear a mask to all interiors except the home, and said it also recommends wearing masks at large outdoor gatherings, with special mention of the gay prides to be held in the country. this weekend.
The decision comes after COVID infections more than quadrupled this week to 138 due to outbreaks attributed to the Indian strain in two schools, prompting health officials to tighten some restrictions again, while recommending parents to vaccinate their children between the ages of 12 and 15.
About 55% of Israel’s population of 9.3 million has already received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Currently, about 65% of the Israeli population is fully vaccinated or has recovered from COVID-19, pointed out by the Ministry of Health.
In April, Nahman Ash said that Israel could achieve collective immunity when 75% of the country’s population is vaccinated or has received natural immunity after recovering from COVID-19.
However, he said on Thursday that the percentage should be “at least 80%”, given the higher infectivity of the Indian strain.
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