Israel Reopens Amid Controversy
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
(Worthy News) – Israel reopened most of its economy Sunday as it removed many of its coronavirus lockdown restrictions introduced a year ago, after a controversial vaccination campaign.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, seeking re-election, made sure he was seen enjoying a cappuccino and cake on a Jerusalem terrace to signal the Jewish nation is back in business.
In a move watched by other countries, about 55 percent of Israel’s nearly 9 million population received one dose of the coronavirus Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. More than 41 percent have gotten two doses, according to official estimates.
However, people seeking a more normal life were effectively forced to receive the jab containing a new mRNA technology, despite concerns about possible side effects.
Under Israel’s “Back to Life” program guidelines, restaurants have reopened with discriminatory restrictions on occupancy.
Indoor seating is available only to “Green Pass” holders — people over 16 who are fully vaccinated. And event halls are reopening only for Green Pass holders, and gatherings of up to 1,500 people will be allowed in stadiums or arenas. Social distancing is another requirement.
The Green Pass introduction is closely watched in the European Union, where leaders have discussed the introduction of coronavirus vaccination passports.
After weeks of tight restrictions on entry to the country that left thousands of Israeli citizens stranded abroad, all citizens and permanent residents will be allowed into Israel again. But authorities say there will be a cap on numbers that will increase over the week from 1,000 to 3,000 people per day.
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