Light at the End of the Tunnel Gets Brighter with More Covid Easements

Another layer of health regulations is being removed, as Israel moved toward allowing access to large sports and cultural events for those who have been inoculated against Covid-19.

Health Minister Yuli Edelstein and Culture and Sports Minister Chili Tropper announced the plans in a joint statement on Sunday. If approved at a Thursday cabinet meeting, the new rules will go into effect on May 6, as long infection rates remain low.

Edelstein stressed, though, that at indoor events attendees will still be required to wear a mask and maintain social distancing.

According to the outline, even unvaccinated people would be permitted to enter gyms, swimming pools, and other attractions that meet the government’s Purple Badge standard for strict hygiene and social-distancing measures.

Private functions will be permitted to have 500 people at outdoor venues and 50 in enclosed spaces.

And public transport, which had been limited to 75 percent capacity, will be restored to maximum capacity.

Children and those who are not vaccinated will be able to attend events for Green Pass holders if they pass a rapid virus test.