Official warns against Lag B'Omer events at Mount Meron due to risk of COVID exposure

As large crowds descend on Mount Meron ahead of this evening’s Lag B’Omer celebrations, an official is warning Israelis against taking part in the festivities.

“Whoever goes to Meron needs to know, his blood will be on his own head and he is likely to be exposed to those sick with coronavirus who roam the place unsupervised,” the unnamed official tells the Kan public broadcaster.

The official is described by Kan as being familiar with the details of a plan for regulating the celebrations that was never approved by the government, leading to concerns that the hundreds of thousands visitors expected at Meron will fuel a COVID-19 outbreak.