Israel scraps indoor mask order as Covid infections wane
Israel has this month logged either zero or one daily Covid-19 death
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Israel has ended one of its final remaining Covid-19 restrictions by no longer requiring people to wear masks indoors.
The country’s health ministry confirmed that the measure would be ditched from Tuesday, but would still be required for staff in medical facilities, unvaccinated people visiting care homes, people en route to quarantine, and for passengers on commercial flights.
Israel has this month logged either zero or one daily Covid-19 deaths, health ministry data shows. New infections have been in a steady but gentle decline after a steep drop-off in February and March.
Israel has had one of the most successful vaccination campaigns globally and has fully vaccinated approximately 55 per cent of its 9.3 million population.
It recently expanded its vaccination eligibility criteria to include the 12-15-year-old age group, with 600,000 children now able to get the jab.
The rest of the country has largely returned to normal with businesses and schools open and caps on numbers of people allowed in public venues dropped.
The final major Covid restriction in Israel is that unvaccinated people entering the country are required to quarantine.
Authorities have been cautious about welcoming visitors because of concerns over new variants.
Israel welcomed its first tour group late last month. All tourists must show proof of vaccination and be tested upon arrival.
Israeli’s have also been advised not to travel abroad this summer.
Additional reporting by Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments