PM: Israel can beat Delta variant outbreak without lockdowns

Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said on Wednesday that Israel could beat the recent outbreak of the COVID-19 Delta variant without imposing more lockdowns.

In a televised press conference, Mr Bennett said that halting the quickly spreading Delta variant depends on people wearing masks and keeping social distance, in addition to leveling up the nationwide inoculation rollout.

The Prime Minister said the Police were instructed to boost the enforcement of the obligatory mask-wearing in close spaces. He warned that high fines will be imposed on those who violate the requirement.

Mr Bennett said that nationwide lockdowns would be “the last resort,” amid the government’s efforts not to harm the local economy more.

He urged Israelis who haven’t received the COVID-19 vaccine to get vaccinated, saying the vaccines “reduce infections and the severity of the disease in those who were infected.”

The PM called Israelis also to keep social distance in events such as weddings, birthday parties and concerts.

“Stop shaking hands, stop hugging and kissing except within your family,” he said.

Mr Bennett also called on Israelis not to travel abroad to countries where the Delta variant is widespread. The Israeli health ministry has reported a slow but steady rise in the number of infections, driven by the spread of the Delta variant. Most cases have been mild or asymptomatic.