Israel: Soccer fans allowed into sports stadiums for first time since start of pandemic
Authorities allowed some 1,500 supporters into stadiums, but children under 16 were still barred from entry
Football fans were allowed to return to stadiums over the weekend for the first time since spectators were barred from attending sporting events last March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hebrew-language broadcaster Channel 12 reported on Saturday evening.
Authorities allowed some 1,500 supporters into stadiums, but children under 16, who are not eligible to receive the vaccine, were still refused entry.
Moreover, only holders of a "green passport," an app that authenticates an individual has received two doses of the vaccine or has recovered from the disease, were allowed to attend the matches.
Toward the end of February, Israel began lifting some of the main restrictions imposed as part of its third nation lockdown, which began in December to curb the spread of coronavirus cases across the country.
Meanwhile, some fans have criticized the decision to allow only 1,500 supporters in stadiums built to accommodate tens of thousands of spectators. They also complained that children weren't allowed on the premises.
The government's rollback of the restrictions has allowed members of the public to frequent street stores, malls, markets, museums, and libraries.
But only the vaccinated and recovered have been able to go to sports halls, hotels and swimming pools, gymnasiums, or participate in sporting and cultural events.