Slovenia, Israel open as Greenland shuts

Coronavirus restrictions are being eased in Slovenia and Israel as Greenland's capital locks down following the discovery of new infections.

Slovenia will allow a state of emergency declared over the pandemic to expire on Tuesday after eight months, lifting most remaining restrictions, the Health Ministry said.

Cultural and sports events will be able to reopen at 75 per cent capacity for people who can demonstrate they have been vaccinated, tested negative or recovered from a previous infection.

Some protection measures will remain in force such as the requirement to wear face masks indoors in public areas and maintaining a safe distance from others, the state secretary in the health ministry said.

On Tuesday Slovenia reported 112 new cases of COVID-19 and two deaths.

About 45 per cent of Slovenia's adult population has received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine while 32 per cent received two shots.

Israel is no longer requiring masks indoors, lifting one of its last coronavirus restrictions following a highly successful vaccination campaign.

The restriction was lifted on Tuesday, although people will still be required to wear masks on planes and on their way to quarantine.

Unvaccinated individuals must wear masks in nursing homes and other long-term health facilities.

Israel has vaccinated around 85 per cent of its adult population, allowing schools and businesses to fully reopen.

There are only a few dozen active patients in the country of more than 9 million.

Authorities have been cautious about welcoming visitors, however, because of concerns over new variants.

Israel welcomed its first tour group late last month.

All tourists must show proof of vaccination and be tested upon arrival.

Meanwhile, Greenland cancelled all flights and ship departures from its capital Nuuk after registering six cases of COVID-19.

"We have a spread of infection in Nuuk and one infected in Ilulissat," Greenland's chief medical officer Henrik Hansen told a press briefing according to the Greenlandic Sermitsiaq newspaper.

with AP