Israel renews indoor mask mandate amid COVID-19 surge 

After registering its highest daily caseload in more than two months, Israel has reimposed a mandate on mask usage indoors.

Al-Monitor Staff
Al-Monitor Staff
Jun 25, 2021
masked worshipper at Al-Aqsa Mosque compound
A Palestinian Muslim worshipper wears a face mask during Friday prayers inside the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem on June 25, 2021. The Israeli Health Ministry reimposed a requirement for masks to be worn in enclosed public places following a surge in COVID-19 cases; the requirement had been dropped 10 days before. — AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP via Getty Images

Israel is restoring requirements on indoor masks following a jump in COVID-19 cases and concerns about the fast-spreading Delta variant. 

Beginning at noon Friday, masks are required in all indoor spaces, with the exception of homes. Children under the age of 7 do not have to wear a mask, nor are they required during physical exercise.

The mandate comes just 10 days after Israel lifted its face-covering requirement, citing a decline in cases. But on Thursday, Israel recorded 227 new coronavirus infections, its highest daily case count in more than two months. An additional 150 infections were recorded Friday, the Health Ministry said. 

“We are seeing a doubling every few days,” Israel’s coronavirus czar Nachman Ash told public radio Friday. 

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