Israel reintroduces face masks to curb spread of Delta variant

Jerusalem, Jun 25 (EFE).- Israel has reintroduced obligatory mask use in indoor public spaces to curb the rapid spread of the Delta coronavirus variant, the health ministry said Friday.

The rule, which had been scrapped 10 days ago, comes after Israel recorded 200 infections in one day, the highest jump since April.

Nachman Ash, coordinator of the national response to the pandemic, supported the measure although said he did not believe the country was on the cusp of a fourth wave of infections.

Israel has one of the most advanced vaccination schemes in the world as more than half of the population has already received two shots.

The Delta variant of coronavirus has since become dominant in Israel.

Israel’s new prime minister Naftali Bennett has proposed that the country’s reopening to tourists, slated for 1 July, be pushed back to 1 August. EFE

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