Israel is set to slowly reopen its economy later this month by limiting access to cafes, cultural events and other leisure activities for members of the public who have been fully vaccinated.
The government, alarmed over a recent drop off in the number of people getting inoculations, is said to be mulling plans that will hopefully spur more Israelis in taking the jab by barring access to gyms, hotels, restaurants, and sporting events for the unvaccinated.
Officials are also looking to limit COVID-19 screenings and force individuals to pay for their own tests for several dozen shekels a pop. “If they are required to pay a few dozen shekels [for a COVID test] every couple days so they can enter their workplace, gym or restaurant, it will encourage them to get vaccinated,” an anonymous Health Ministry official said.
A separate law being studied will allow employers to refuse access to workers who have not been vaccinated or who have not taken a screening test 48 hours previously.
