Israelis go mask-less in outdoor spaces after a year of COVID-19 pandemic

After Israel’s Health Minister Yuli Edelstein lifted the compulsion on wearing masks outdoor, Israelis stepped into the streets without masks on Sunday, AFP reports. This marks a key milestone in the country’s fight against the coronavirus.

“The masks are intended to protect us from the coronavirus. After our health professionals came to the conclusion that they are no longer needed outdoors, I decided to allow it according to their recommendation. The level of morbidity in Israel is very low thanks to our successful vaccination campaign, and thus we can ease up further restrictions for you, citizens of Israel. I ask you to still carry a mask in order to enter closed buildings. Together we will keep the morbidity low, Edelstein had said in his Thursday address.

Also read: Elon Musk arrives at Tesla’s factory in a Cybertruck. Watch

Israel just months ago had the world’s highest infection rate, a coronavirus outbreak that left 6,300 people dead among 836,000 cases. But the Jewish state sent its coronavirus caseload tumbling after striking a deal for a vast stock of Pfizer/BioNTech jabs. In exchange, it agreed to pay above market price and share data it gathers on the recipients, using one of the world’s most sophisticated medical data systems. Since December, some 53% of Israel’s 9.3 million people have received both doses of the jab, including around four-fifths of the population aged over 20. As recently as January it was registering 10,000 cases per day. But as the effects of mass vaccination kicked in, by March it was able to implement a gradual re-opening.

Also read: Earth Day summit a chance for Biden to show US serious about climate: Trudeau

“It’s very strange but it’s very nice. You can’t pretend that you don’t know anyone anymore,” said Eliana Gamulka, 26, after getting off a bus near the busy Jerusalem shopping boulevard of Jaffa Street and removing her face covering, AFP reports.

For Gamulka, a project manager, the good news came at the perfect time: just two weeks before her wedding.

It will be “very nice to celebrate with everyone, now without masks,” she said. “The pictures will be great! I’m very relieved. We can start living again.”

Schools, bars, restaurants and indoor gatherings have been reopened– although masks are still required in indoor public spaces.

Also read:  Nuclear watchdog confirms 60% uranium enrichment at Iran’s Natanz plant

The situation in Israel is in stark contrast to the occupied West Bank and the blockaded Gaza Strip, where infection rates remain high and vaccinations are low.

Rights groups have urged Israel to supply vaccines to the 4.8 million Palestinians living there, but Israel says that falls to the Palestinian Authority.

It has however vaccinated over 105,000 Palestinian workers who hold permits for employment in Israel and the settlements.

In Jerusalem, Gamulka was enjoying the simple pleasure of new-found freedoms.

“It’s nice not to have something on your face any more,” she said.