Palestinian Health Ministry recommends strict limits on celebrations due to COVID-19
Bethlehem’s economy relies heavily on the Christmas season
RAMALLAH: The Palestinian Health Ministry has advisable strict limits on Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem this yr as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
Celebrations within the biblical city revered by Christians as Jesus’ birthplace are often attended by 1000’s individuals from around the globe.
However this yr, the ministry has advisable the upcoming Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Manger Sq. be restricted to 50 people, with the lights of the tree and space-eating places closed at 9 p.m. all through the Christmas season. In its suggestions Saturday, it mentioned religious services on Christmas Eve must also have restricted attendance.
Bethlehem’s economic system, full of accommodations, reward outlets and eating places, depends closely on the Christmas season. The cancelation or scaling again of the celebrations will deal one other blow to an economic system that already has been hit arduous by the coronavirus disaster this yr.
Palestinian officers are anticipated to make a remaining determination on Christmas celebrations within the coming days. Israel’s worldwide airport — the principle entry level for overseas vacationers — has been closed to vacationers for months, limiting the potential numbers of pilgrims in any case.
The West Financial institution is within the midst of a spike in coronavirus instances, whereas Israel is simply slowly rising from a lockdown imposed in September to manage a raging outbreak. The northern Israeli city of Nazareth, revered by Christians because the place of Jesus’ childhood, has been designated a “restricted” zone by authorities, limiting motion out and in of the world for at the very least the following few days.
