Israel Recommends Mask Use as COVID Spreads

The Israeli Ministry of Health advised on Tuesday that individuals with weakened immune systems should wear masks in crowded indoor spaces after an increase in hospital admissions due to COVID-19 infections ahead of the Jewish holidays. The ministry stated in a release that they have observed a "moderate increase" in the number of hospital admissions related to various COVID-19 strains present in Israel and worldwide. They added, "Before the holidays, and as a result of the rising infection rates, the Ministry of Health recommends that those belonging to at-risk groups or those wishing to minimize infection risk wear masks in crowded indoor settings." Large family gatherings are common during the Jewish holiday season, which begins on September 15 and lasts for approximately a month. The ministry also mentioned that it is preparing to soon release vaccines targeting new sub-strains.