Covid-19: Israel to reimpose Green Pass as Delta variant hits

Tel Aviv - Only people who are deemed immune to Covid or tested negative to enter some public spaces.

Israel announced plans on Thursday to allow only people who are deemed immune to Covid-19 or have recently tested negative to enter some public spaces such as restaurants, gyms and synagogues after a surge in coronavirus cases.

The government had removed most coronavirus restrictions after a rapid vaccination drive that pushed down infections and deaths.

The easing of restrictions included dropping a "Green Pass" programme that had allowed only people who had been vaccinated or recovered from Covid to enter some public spaces.

But some measures have already been reinstated, including wearing protective masks indoors and tighter entry requirements for incoming travellers, because of the rapid spread of the more infectious Delta variant of the coronavirus.

In a further tightening of measures, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's office said the Green Pass programme would be back in force from July 29, pending government approval.