[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Israeli government announced that it will restrict access to public places for citizens who have not received a COVID-19 booster shot and will exclude them from the issuance of the 'Green Pass,' a certificate of entry. As a result, it is reported that the Green Passes of more than 1.4 million citizens will be canceled, limiting their access to public places.
According to the Times of Israel on the 28th (local time), the Israeli Ministry of Health announced that it will change the criteria for issuing the Green Pass starting from the 3rd of next month. Accordingly, the Times of Israel reported that among those who had previously received the Green Pass as fully vaccinated individuals, more than approximately 1.47 million citizens who have not yet received the booster shot will have their Green Passes canceled.
The Green Pass is an 'immunity certificate' issued to vaccinated individuals, those who have recovered from COVID-19, and those who have tested negative via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. In Israel, this certificate is required to enter public places and participate in public events. Previously, the Green Pass was issued to those who had completed two doses of the vaccine, but going forward, the conditions will become stricter, requiring the booster shot for issuance.
According to the Israeli Ministry of Health, the new criteria for issuing the Green Pass are: ▲ one week after receiving the booster shot ▲ one week after the second dose ▲ those who have recovered from COVID-19 or have recovered and received one vaccine dose. These individuals will receive a new Green Pass valid for six months (based on the vaccination date). Additionally, children and adolescents under 12 years old who test negative through PCR tests conducted at schools will be issued a 7-day Green Pass.
The Israeli Ministry of Health has counted that about 4.71 million people are eligible for the booster shot after six months from their second dose, and among them, approximately 3.24 million have completed the booster shot. However, about 1.47 million people who have passed six months since their second dose but have not received the booster shot will no longer be able to receive the new Green Pass.
Meanwhile, Israel became the first country in the world to start administering booster shots on July 12 to people with weakened immunity due to immunosuppressive treatments after organ transplants. Following that, booster shots for the elderly began on July 30, and the target group has been gradually expanded. Currently, booster shots are being administered to all age groups aged 12 and older.
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