Israel plans to launch a pilot of its "green passport" program on Jan. 5. The plan calls to issue Israelis vaccinated against COVID and recovered COVID patients with "green passports," which will be logged in a new Health Ministry application.
The passports will be valid for one year. Recovered COVID patients will receive passports if they present a blood test that proves the presence of antibodies in their body. Israelis who test negative for COVID but have not had the virus or been vaccinated will be able to receive temporary green passports valid for a three-day period.
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In the first month, passport holders will have entry into tourism islands in Eilat and the Dead Sea.
At a later stage, travelers from abroad or those who came into contact with a coronavirus patient will be exempt from the otherwise mandatory quarantine period.
To prevent forgeries, the Health Ministry application will include a verification process, where each user will be asked to enter their phone number, ID number, and date of birth.
Children and Israelis under the age of 16, who cannot be vaccinated, will be able to receive similar permits only if they are registered with the Health Ministry as recovered patients or have been tested negative for the coronavirus.
The pilot is scheduled to continue for two weeks. On Jan. 15, the ministry will launch another version of the program, which will include a QR code that will allow passport holders to visit malls, attend cultural and sports events, and more. The application will also contain instructions for business owners and municipal information on the virus.
The Coronavirus Cabinet is currently debating whether entry into large shopping complexes and restaurants should hinge on permits, as such a regulation would impinge on freedom of movement. Another problem is whether or not forcing children to test negative for COVID before entering shopping malls would be an unwise use of limited resources.
"This is great news for businesses and a significant catalyst for a return to normal life," said Intelligence Minister Eli Cohen.
"The launch of the green passport program is a vital step toward opening businesses and reviving the economy. It will be a major incentive for people to get vaccinated."
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