‘Green passport’ returns some normalcy to vaccinated Israelis

Jerusalem, Feb 24 (efe-epa).- Israelis who have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 can from this week enjoy a new privilege in the form of a “green passport.”

The document grants holders access to gyms, hotels, swimming pools and, on Wednesday — for the first time in months — a concert that is taking place in Tel Aviv.

“Honestly the green pass was kind of my motivation to get vaccinated, I was also a little afraid about getting vaccinated at the beginning but the green pass was a big motivation,” Rafael, who has been able to get back into his gym routine, tells Efe.

Israel’s cultural events have been on hold for the best part of a year, its restaurants closed since September and the country was forced into a third nationwide lockdown in December, a challenging situation that is gradually being alleviated by the world’s fastest vaccine rollout.

Almost half of Israel’s 9 million people have received the first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine and 3.1 million have had both.

For many, the slow re-opening of the country on Sunday spelled the return of side-street stores, open-air markets, shopping malls, libraries and museums.

But for now, the country’s gyms, hotels and pools will be reserved for those with a double dose of the Covid-19 jab. EFE-EPA

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