The upcoming election will be the third to be held during the Corona epidemic, and the Corona headquarters are already preparing for it in cooperation with the Central Election Commission, while estimating that in October there may be another wave, along with the incidence of the flu.
Unlike the previous election campaigns, this time it is not expected that we will see dedicated polling stations for those isolated, because there are currently no isolation guidelines.
Also, there will no longer be a need to do a separate count of patients' ballot boxes, and the votes will be able to be counted without the need for protective measures.
At the same time, verified patients will vote in separate polling stations, after performing a self-examination.
It is even possible that they will be able to go to the polls independently.
Patients hospitalized in Corona wards or nursing homes will be able to vote in designated polling stations in the wards, and members of the polling committee will be required to be vaccinated or convalescing, protected and not in a risk group.
Corona Commissioner Prof. Salman Zarka, photo: Gideon Markovich
In the rest of the polling stations, it is not expected that special protection will be required, but the Corona headquarters point out that if we find a wave of illness, there will not be isolated polling stations, as mentioned, unless there is another, more serious variant that will require isolation.
In such a case, the new situation will be examined and the instructions will be updated.
When voting, there will be no obligation to wear a mask, unless there is a more severe variant.
In such a case, it will be mandatory to wear a mask, especially in closed places - including polling stations.
"The very fact that there is a possibility that there will be a corona wave in the fall, or in preparation for the elections in November, obliges us to think about preparation. In our estimation, there will be another wave. We do not know if it is the same as Leumicron, as now, or something more similar to the Delta strain," explains Prof. Salman Zarka , the corona projector.
"unique preparation"
"Currently, we are obligated to isolate only the verified. If a wave like the Delta returns, then there will be an option to expand isolation. If there is a wave like the Omicron, we need to prepare for a situation of polling stations for the verified. They have a basic and civil right, and the election committee should be prepared.
"Also, we are monitoring the flu in the southern hemisphere, and it is not easy. If there is a corona wave combined with a flu wave - the preparation in terms of contagion and isolation guidelines must be unique."
In the coming months, a simulation will take place, together with Alon Headquarters in the Home Front Command, which will test the health system's readiness for the challenge of flu, corona and elections.
"If a significant wave comes - especially if it is combined with the flu - we will require wearing a mask at the polls, not just recommend it. A mask may cause a little discomfort, but it is balanced with the protection of the populations at risk and the adult population.
"In my opinion, during the Corona wave, the professional position is to require the wearing of masks."
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