Israeli government retreats from demand for vaccine bracelets at malls

Businesses vowed to rebel against plan that would have allowed only vaccinated shoppers into non-essential stores; leading rabbi gets death threats over children vaccines

After outcry, government walks back demand for vaccine bracelets at malls (Times of Israel)
New plan would have allowed only vaccinated shoppers into non-essential stores; business owners vowed to rebel, saying it would severely curtail revenue

Israel pulls back Covid mall outline, bracelets no longer to be required (Jerusalem Post)
Seven more countries labeled ‘red,’ including UAE and Ireland * Gov't extends travel restrictions until Dec. 29

Top Haredi rabbi gets death threats for supporting children vaccines (Haaretz)
Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky receives death threats after he endorsed Israel's children COVID vaccine drive, stating that getting inoculated was mandatory under Torah law

Israel restricts UAE, Europe travel over Omicron fears; mall restrictions amended (Haaretz)
Israel walks back plan on bracelets for vaccinated mall shoppers following criticism; Gantz in COVID quarantine after exposure to Omicron carrier

Fourth Covid shots likely soon for some immunocompromised Israelis, says top doc (Times of Israel)
Government adviser suggests boosters won’t be given to all with weakened immune systems, but would follow data on who is and isn’t retaining protection from the 3rd shot

Photo: Mamilla Mall in Jerusalem, July 19, 2021. (Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)