Prime Minister Naftali Bennett delivers televised remarks after touring Ben Gurion Airport, saying there are signs that the so-called Delta variant is beginning to spread in Israel.
He says some of those infected by the strain, first identified in India, were vaccinated, but stresses inoculations provide “significant” protection against COVID-19.
“In light of the data, we are treating the situation as a renewed outbreak,” Bennett says.
He announces that the new government will form a coronavirus cabinet, anyone at Ben Gurion Airport will have to be masked, and all arrivals will have to undergo a PCR test.
“Whoever doesn’t need to go abroad, don’t go abroad,” he says.
Bennett hints there could be “significant changes” to the current policies on entering and exiting the country.
The premier also recommends that Israelis don face coverings in enclosed spaces — weeks after the requirement to do so was lifted — and urges Israelis between 12 and 15-years-old to get vaccinated.
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett delivers televised remarks at Ben Gurion Airport on June 22, 2021. (Jack Guez/AFP)
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