Health minister: Lockdown over High Holidays possible ‘if there is no choice left’

Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz says that a lockdown over the coming Jewish holidays is “a last resort” but could be implemented if coronavirus cases continue to rise.

“The mask, as simple as it is, is the most effective thing we have. The vaccines, the quarantine, the masks, the restrictions at Ben Gurion Airport, these are the things that can prevent more difficult steps. A lockdown is the last resort,” he says while escorting his parents to receive their third vaccine shots.

However, he added, “If we seem to be getting to a point where there is no choice left, we will have to do it. But this is not a matter of fate. If we follow the guidelines, then we may be able to avoid lockdowns.”

He also says that the government currently plans “to properly open” schools as scheduled on September 1.

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