“Green passport”: relief for vaccinated people in Israel

Visiting the theater, traveling without quarantine, staying overnight in a hotel: In Israel, this should be possible again for those who have recovered and who have been vaccinated. With a “Green Pass” they are granted relief.

Israel has introduced relief for citizens who have been vaccinated against the coronavirus or have recovered from illness. With a “Green Pass” they can visit hotels, fitness studios, theaters or sporting events, among other things.

Health Minister Juli Edelstein wrote on Twitter that more than 3.2 million Israelis could now enjoy these benefits.  The  aim is to stimulate the economy in the country again. “ The  ‘Green Pass’ is gradually opening the country again,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Freedom to travel is also planned

In the future, anyone who has recovered or who has been vaccinated will be able to create a vaccination card online one week after the second vaccination. Owners of such an ID can then have a “Green Pass” issued, among other things via a special app.  The  pass is available via the app on the smartphone or as a printed confirmation. It is scanned upon admission in places that are only open to its owners, for example swimming pools and places of worship.

 The  passport should also allow freedom of travel without the obligation to quarantine after returning. Israel has already concluded corresponding reciprocal travel agreements with Greece and Cyprus. So far, however, they are pure theory because Israel’s borders and airports will be closed until at least March 6th.

According to media reports, fake certificates are already being offered on the Internet.  The  government announced high penalties for fraudsters.  The  passport is primarily intended to motivate younger Israelis to vaccinate.

Also relaxations for non-vaccinated people

 The  vaccination campaign in Israel is very advanced compared to other countries.

 The  country with its 9.3 million inhabitants is considered a pioneer. Every citizen from the age of 16 can now be vaccinated. After a rapid start, the vaccination campaign had recently stalled due to a lack of willingness.

Parallel to the introduction of the passport, Israel is loosening the nationwide lockdown for the non-vaccinated, among other things, street shops, museums, libraries and shopping centers are allowed to reopen.  The  corona rules such as mask requirement and distance must also be observed there.

 The  schools were also opened to other classes.

 The  number of infections in the country is still comparatively high, but has fallen steadily over the past few weeks.