Coronavirus czar Prof. Nachman Ash on Sunday warned that if Israelis do not keep a close eye on health regulations, the country could see a new rise in coronavirus cases that require a nationwide lock-up.
Ash told Ynet that the highly proposed Israeli vaccination campaign, which includes half of the country’s population against COVID-19, could protect hospitals from rising in serious cases.
However, he warned, a slight increase in morbidity was expected after Israel took the final steps to reopen its economy on Sunday morning, despite some restrictions on population sizes and access to establishments.
“This is not over. We need to continue to be careful, use masks and maintain a social pace,” Ash said. “We have a way to go until the pandemic is behind us,” he said.
“We need to keep an eye on the numbers and as long as the increase in cases is under control and there is no increase in bad cases, we will be able to keep the economy open,” he said. to the fact that serious cases in hospitals were falling.
The Ministry of Health said Sunday that 724 people in critical condition were treated in hospital.
“This is not a small number, but the health system is capable of dealing with it,” Ash said referring to the serious issues. “If the number continues to rise, we may need to update some restrictions,” he said.
The coronavirus cabinet voted late Saturday to allow much of the Israeli economy to reopen under certain health concession restrictions.
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Visitors return to Tel Aviv cafe as Israel moves coronavirus restrictions, 7 March 2021
(Photo: Reuters)
Restaurants, cafes and bars have been reopened to Green Pass keepers indicating that they have received both doses of the vaccine or have received COVID. For an outdoor dinner, however, the Green Pass is not required.
These businesses can operate at only 75% while event halls are allowed to reopen at 50% capacity and in accordance with Green Pass guidelines
“The rules of the Green Pass are clear,” said Ash. “More than 3.5 million people have already received two doses of the coronavirus vaccine and can safely enter industrial premises. If the rules are observed, I believe we will not see a worrying increase in contagion then. ”
Places of worship that operate under the rules of the Green Pass can now accommodate up to 500 people inside the building as long as attendance is at 50% of the total capacity of the site.
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Students return to class in Haifa after attending for months due to coronavirus restrictions
(Photo: Gil Nehushtan)
As part of the new measures, students at grades 7-10 in areas with low morbidity and high immunization rates were able to attend school for at least two days a week, in conjunction with the rest of national school children who had already returned to class.
“I am unsure about learning more within the school because that is happening in areas with low morbidity,” said Ash. “We will monitor the situation and act accordingly,” he said.