As Israel approaches the High Holy Days – traditionally celebrated with friends and family and in large gatherings –Israel Hayom has reached out to health experts for their advice on how to celebrate the festivities in the safest way possible during pandemic times.
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Social distancing
Professor Hezi Levi, former director-general of the Health Ministry and now director of Ashkelon's Barzilai Medical Center, said: "Instead of imposing a lockdown, what we need is more caution exhibited by the public. That is, to limit indoor gatherings to 50 people as per Health Ministry guidelines, to wear masks, keep social distancing, and – for those who come into contact with a carrier or test positive for the coronavirus – to self-isolate.
"The state and the public needs to step up its vaccinations as much as possible. If the public adheres to the guidelines, then despite the opening of the school year and the holidays, we will not see a significant outbreak, although we are expecting a certain increase in morbidity."
Extra caution in synagogues
Expert epidemiologist Hagai Levine stressed that gatherings in synagogues posed the biggest threat for COVID resurgence.
"First, I'd like to note that it is difficult to foresee what will happen in the upcoming month. However, in my opinion, we need to keep our fingers on the pulse and be alert at all times. Even if only vaccinated attendees enter, there may still be carriers, and the worshippers will be at risk of developing serious illnesses."
At-risk Israelis should pray outdoors
Professor Zvika Granot, from Hebrew University's Faculty of Medicine, said that Israelis with chronic diseases, or others more prone to serious illness, should pray outdoors.
"At the end of the day, we need to learn to live alongside the coronavirus until it disappears. But until that happens, the elderly and at-risk population must protect itself. The thing is that triple-jabbed people can still catch the coronavirus. Therefore, making sure that all worshippers are vaccinated does not guarantee safety for the congregants.
"Remember that the vaccine does not provide 100% protection, and with elderly people and those with illnesses, even less so, and therefore, being careful is crucial. That is how we will be able to live alongside COVID until it is gone."
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