“Do not expect another wave of illness, the duty of masks will continue”

In his opening remarks, Prof. Ash said: “We are pleased to continue to see the trend of improvement in the data, both at the daily verified rate, the infection rate and the number of patients who continue to decline. We have not yet reached the low numbers between the second and third waves so we have a long way to go The encouraging statistic is that the decline is recorded despite a wide opening of the economy.This allowed us to embark on the fourth pulse which was mainly an increase in the number of attendees at cultural events and sporting events, the opening of outdoor attractions and swimming pools.

“We will follow the morbidity data in the next two weeks and see where we go. These two weeks are very challenging because we have Election Day, Passover and are also approaching April and Ramadan. At this time everyone should act responsibly and follow the existing guidelines. Unfortunately I saw in the various media channels, not “We are always careful. We have seen football games with a crowd of people, we do not pay attention to the masks, and it is a pity. As much as this will lead to an increase in morbidity, we will just have to go backwards.”

Regarding the rapid tests, Prof. Ash said: “The rapid tests are coming into use. This week we started the process: we opened a site for registering sampling companies and we approve these companies within 24 or 48 hours and then they can go out into the field. Depending on the contracts with the various parties For various events. As of today no speed tests have been posted on the green mark sites. I’m sure we will see events that use it. We consider speed tests to be of great importance to allow those who for various reasons can not get vaccinated, to enter the various events.

“The speed tests are not cheap. This is an additional 60-50 shekels per event. Either it is added to employers or the customer, so they will be adapted to some of the events. I very much hope that over time there will be cheap speed tests. More this technology will evolve.”

Regarding restrictions on Seder night, he said: “In terms of Seder meals – 20 people inside a building and up to 50 outside the building. Care must be taken to prevent infection during the meal as much as possible. In terms of prayers – both on Passover and Ramadan – That is, 20 inside or 50 outside. We are currently in discussions in preparation for Memorial Day and Independence Day and Lag B’Omer.

On the issue of masks in open spaces he said: “The data is declining but they are not yet such that can allow us to change the mask guidelines and insulation. The great effectiveness of masks is in the closeness between people indoors. “We do not want to confuse with more complex guidelines now. We have a few more weeks to see what happens in terms of the continued decline in morbidity.”

On the possibility that tourists will start arriving in Israel in the summer, and with them mutations of the virus, Prof. Ash said: “I think that in the summer tourism will be based on agreements between specific countries. We know that there are negotiations with different countries, and these agreements should be based on Who comes here is vaccinated or recovers and we recognize his credentials. I still estimate that this summer there will not be masses of tourists here. If we do it safely – I do not think it will bring disease. “

On the rate of immunization he said: “Through the box office reports we get the impression of lower immunization rates among former USSR graduates.”

According to the Ministry of Health, today is the first day that businesses and Green Label sites are given the opportunity to set up check-in stations for those who have not yet been vaccinated or those aged 16 and under. The success of the move is questionable at this stage, in part because the cost of the tests is based solely on the business owners, while the price of the tests for the subjects may range from NIS 50 to NIS 80.

At the same time, the fourth pulsation of relief began today, two weeks after the massive opening of restaurants, bars, event gardens and hotels (in the format of full activity). According to the current beat, the amount of crowd at cultural and indoor sports events of up to 5,000 seats will be up to 75% occupied or a maximum of 1,000 people.

In places with more than 5,000 seats, the allowable amount will be up to 30% occupied and a maximum of 3,000 people. Halls and stadiums of up to 10,000 seats will allow a crowd of up to 75% occupancy and no more than 3,000 people. In spaces of more than 10,000 seats, a crowd of up to 30% occupancy will be allowed and no more than 5,000 people. All entrants must have a green mark.

Nightclubs will allow a gathering of up to 300 people inside and 500 outside. The crowd limit as a whole does not change and it stands at 20 people inside and 50 outside at most.

At midnight, the restrictions on Ben Gurion Airport expired in accordance with the High Court ruling. According to the announcement of the Corona Cabinet, the limit of 3,000 passengers per day at Ben Gurion Airport will be abolished. The volume of daily flights will be limited to the effective capacity of Ben Gurion Airport, “which is affected by both the need to meet corona regulations and the need for social testing and distance.” In addition, the Exceptions Committee and the obligation to measure the temperature for passengers at the entrance to the terminal and before boarding were also abolished.

The opening of the sky is taking place against the background of another decline in morbidity rates. According to the Ministry of Health, on Saturday, 285 new infections were diagnosed with the corona virus and only 17,438 tests were performed. The rate of positive tests dropped to 1.7%. The coefficient of infection also continued to decline and reached 0.62. The hospitals hospitalize 561 patients in critical condition and 199 respirators.

On Saturday, four patients died and the death toll from the plague reached 6,085 people. To date, 5,162,636 people have been vaccinated in the first dose, which is 55.52% of the population. 4,523,828 people who are 48.65% of the population also received the second dose.