The coronavirus outbreak in Israel stands to put a damper on the country's 72 Independence Day celebrations, as public gatherings of over 100 people have been barred.
According to Army Radio, Culture and Sports Minister Miri Regev announced Wednesday that, complying with government orders, the traditional torch-lighting ceremony held on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem will be held without spectators, as will the Israel Prize ceremony.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
Both events are usually open to the public and attended by hundreds of Israeli and foreign dignitaries.
No word has been given as to the fate of other Independence Day events, but most are likely to be canceled as well, as all nonvital public gatherings are likely to be canceled as well.
This will be the first time since Israel's inception that Independence Day celebrations will be either canceled or held without spectators.
"This year, for the first time, the torch-lighting ceremony that marks the end of Memorial Day and the beginning of Independence Day festivities will be held without an audience," Regev said, citing the government directive barring mass gatherings.
She stressed the event, scheduled to take place on April 28, would be broadcast on television and online and said her office, which is in charge of the events, will spare no effort to ensure the event "is dignified."
