Coronavirus: 40% drop in Israeli flag sales ahead of Independence Day

Independence Day celebrations in Israel have already suffered due to coronavirus with the traditional flyover done annually by the Israeli Air Force cancelled this year.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
A man waves flags of Israel as Israeli Air Force planes fly in formation over the Mediterranean Sea during an aerial show as part of the celebrations for Israel's Independence Day marking the 70th anniversary of the creation of the state, in Tel Aviv, Israel April 19, 2018. (photo credit: REUTERS/AMIR COHEN)
A man waves flags of Israel as Israeli Air Force planes fly in formation over the Mediterranean Sea during an aerial show as part of the celebrations for Israel's Independence Day marking the 70th anniversary of the creation of the state, in Tel Aviv, Israel April 19, 2018.
(photo credit: REUTERS/AMIR COHEN)
The battle against the coronavirus pandemic has caused a decline in sales of accessories for Independence Day celebrations.
Sales have dropped 40%, according to Marom F.G.P., which makes flags, masts, ornaments and other memorabilia.
A 95% drop in bookings at hotels, restaurants, shops and parties related to cultural events has contributed to the decline, according to Maariv, The Jerusalem Post’s sister publication.
“Due to the Health Ministry’s regulations, we had to remove some sewing machines from the factory and deliver them to our workers’ homes to still produce the few orders that came,” Marom chairman Avi Marom Milberger said.
Meanwhile, the traditional Israel Air Force flyover to celebrate Independence Day will not take place this year to avoid gatherings amid the coronavirus outbreak, the IDF announced Monday.
Instead, a smaller flyover of four IAF aerobatics planes will take place over hospitals in a show of solidarity with medical crews. The IAF was conducting practice flights on Monday.
Tzvi Joffre contributed to this report.