COVID-19 COVID-19: No shaking hands, no hugs, no kissing! Corona Cabinet makes sweeping recommendations

Israel has passed a new set of more stringent restrictions that will go into effect on Sunday including the reintroduction of masks in large outdoors gatherings, limiting travel for Israelis, expanding quarantine requirements and increasing the scope of the green passport, all in an effort to curb the rise of COVID infections.

The Cabinet called on the public to get vaccinated and to follow directives, which include refraining from physical greetings.

"The public is called on to understand the situation and, therefore, to stop shaking hands, embracing and kissing, and to avoid non-essential gatherings in closed spaces," the Corona Cabinet said in a statement after tonight's late-night meeting.

"Additional restrictions decided upon alongside a clear call to the public: The Delta pandemic is much more infectious and is leaping ahead around the world. Avoid gatherings, and go get vaccinated – now. Otherwise, there will be no alternative to imposing sharper restrictions, including lockdowns," continued the statement.

No change has been made yet to tourism but still only vaccinated people in a tour group are able to get into the country.