Israel will move to reopen its nightclubs and bars next week, March 21, following an agreement reached Sunday between Health Minister Yuli Edelstein and the Union of Bars and Clubs.
Last week, the country entered the third phase of its lockout exit strategy, lifting a number of major restrictions, including some that have been in place since September, such as a ban on indoor dinners and receptions, and closure of event halls. The restrictions will be lifted from green pass holders who received both doses of COVID-19 vaccine pictures or who passed the disease.
“Today, for the first time in a short time, the virus is reproducing [R] the number is below 0.8, “Edelstein said.” The number of cases of serious illness has also fallen. This is due to the 5 million Israelis who received the vaccine. It is time to let the clubs reopen. I hope they follow the green pass and the picture that the Ministry of Health will put together for them. “
The union thanked the minister and his understanding of “the injustice that the industry has suffered.”
“We urge club and bar owners and the general public to visit these premises to follow steps and get vaccinated,” a statement read said.
Edelstein also announced that, starting next Sunday, the Ministry of Health will implement rapid coronavirus testing to allow unvaccinated children and individuals access to facilities open only to green passport holders.
Health officials are expected to meet with representatives from the ministries of finance and economy to maintain the affordable prices of such tests.
As explained by the ministry, the rapid tests will be separate from the national certification scheme. Non-green travelers are unable to enter these areas immediately after taking a quick test outside the facility building. Regular negative coronavirus testing is not acceptable.
Earlier Sunday, the Ministry of Transport announced that it will approve Israel’s entry from additional destinations, including Madrid, Amsterdam, Larnaca and Addis Ababa.
Edelstein said the opening of Ben-Gurion Airport is further “the only thing that can now ruin our success.”
The ministry said the decision was aimed at allowing Israeli citizens to return to the country to vote in the March 23 elections, after several petitions were filed with the Supreme Court of Justice calling for the entry cap to be stripped. .
Speaking to reporters, coronavirus czar Prof. Nachman Ash said he is not expected to impose any additional restrictions on the upcoming Passover holiday, which is set to begin on March 27.
However, he said people who are not feeling well should not be present at holiday meals and suggested that families hold outdoor parties.
Ash also said that the Ministry of Health will soon release a summary for the month of Ramadan.