Israel to expand COVID immunity scheme, restrictions on gatherings starting Wednesday

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New COVID-19 related restrictions will come into effect Wednesday, with all children over the age of three being required to show proof of immunity or a negative test result before entering indoor spaces, except for malls and stores.

In addition, stores and malls will be required to limit capacity to one person per seven meters of space. Additionally, a limit will be set on crowd sizes at large events. Israel logged 8,646 new coronavirus cases on Monday, according to Health Ministry data published on Tuesday, marking a six-month daily record in new cases.

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Children between the ages of 3 and 12 will be entitled to receive free rapid antigen swab tests. Those aged 12 and up who are not vaccinated will have to pay for their own tests. Around 220 testing stations will operate throughout the country to carry out these tests, and more will be added according to demand, the Health Ministry said. Results from the rapid antigen swab tests are available in 15 minutes, and a negative result grants a Green Pass valid for 24 hours.

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The requirement to present proof of immunity will be applied in most sectors of the economy and public and private institutions, including swimming pools, gyms, academic institutions, all cultural and sporting events, conferences and exhibitions, museums, libraries, restaurants, and hotels.

However, the Green Pass will not apply to summer school programs, so that parents will not have to test their children every day as a condition of participation.

Starting Wednesday, the number of participants at events will be limited to 1,000 people in enclosed spaces and 5,000 at outdoor events without assigned seating. At events in private homes, where proof of immunity won’t be required, the attendance limit will be set at 50 in enclosed spaces and at 100 in open ones. There will be no limit on crowd sizes at events with assigned seating, but these events will also require proof of immunity.