Israel has restricted its so-called COVID-19 Green Pass to allow only those who have received a vaccine booster dose or recently recuperated from coronavirus to enter indoor venues.
The new criteria mean that nearly two million people will lose their vaccination passport in the coming days.
Israel is the first country to make a booster shot a requirement for its digital vaccination passport.
The move is widely seen as a step to encourage booster vaccination among those who have yet to receive a third dose.
Under the new guidelines, people must have received a booster shot to be eligible for a green pass.
Those who have received two vaccine doses and those who have recovered from coronavirus will be issued passes valid for six months after the date of their vaccination or recovery.
The government’s advisory cabinet on coronavirus was set to convene on Sunday to discuss existing restrictions and guidelines.
Technical problems hamstrung the health ministry’s roll-out of the updated green pass as millions of Israelis tried to reissue digital documentation that would allow entry to indoor venues.
The green pass is necessary to access almost all areas of public life in Israel: everyone aged three and older must prove that they have been vaccinated, have recovered from a COVID-19 infection or tested negative if they want to visit sporting or cultural events, gyms, museums, restaurants, universities or conferences.
Read the article in the Cowra Guardian (AAP with DPA).