Israel said Wednesday its health officials are formulating a plan for the gradual removal of all COVID restrictions imposed following the outbreak of the Omicron strain earlier this year.
The main aspects of the plan have already been presented by the Health Ministry officials to Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who is said to have accepted them.
2 View gallery
A coronavirus ward and a Green Pass shown on the phone
(Photo: Getty Images, Alex Kolomoisky)
The crucial discussion on the issue is expected to be held at the Health Ministry later in the evening, in which the recommendations will be formulated in full and presented to government officials on Thursday.
Among other things, health officials are set to recommend to reopen Israel to international tourists fully, including entry of children who cannot be vaccinated, which would allow the renewal of family-oriented tourism.
Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov appeared to have been the one who pushed for the reopening of Israel to tourists, even speaking with other ministers in order to mobilize them to support the move.
Two weeks ago, Razvozov wrote to Bennett, saying, "In light of the refusal to vaccinate children below the age of 18 in many countries around the world, we must stipulate that from March 1, unvaccinated children accompanied by vaccinated parents, will be allowed to enter Israel. This is customary in many countries around the world and we should not be left behind."
2 View gallery
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov
(Photo: Kobi Koankas, Yonatan Zindel )
In addition, the Health Ministry is also set to back the complete removal of the Green Pass mandate, including at mass events and conferences.
The outline for the education system and the obligation to wear face masks in confined spaces will remain in the meantime and will be reconsidered on a weekly basis.
In addition, during a meeting of health experts advising the cabinet on Tuesday, it was revealed the levels of the BA.2 variant, an offshoot of the Omicron strain, in the sewer are higher than expected.