While Europe is being overwhelmed by the fourth corona wave, many eyes are on Israel.
Despite the initially high numbers, it was possible to reduce the infection rate there to a minimum.
Jerusalem - Israel has gained even more importance since the beginning of the corona pandemic.
The country on the eastern Mediterranean led the way in rolling out the global vaccination campaign, but had to accept high numbers of infections again as part of the fourth wave before the rest of the world.
But despite this setback, the country quickly got the breakthroughs under control again, so that the procedure is now considered a model for many other governments.
Israel: Booster vaccinations and regular tests as a breakwater
Like Salman Zarka, nickname "Corona-Zar", opposite the
Spiegel
declared that Israel had chosen a two-part strategy. "We started the booster vaccination early, even before the US FDA officially approved it," said the 57-year-old, who has been Israel's senior corona advisor since July. Four million people would have responded to this call and thus contributed to the success of the campaign. “We have reintroduced what is known as the Green Pass,” explains Zarka, explaining the second method. Similar to Italy, this vaccination certificate must be shown in crowded places; if the test is negative, a temporary ID is issued. “At some mass events we decided not to let unvaccinated people in. And people have to wear a mask again and keep their distance from one another. "
Since Israel has a similarly high adult vaccination rate as Germany, there were also discussions at the beginning of the fourth wave about a lockdown for unvaccinated people. From an ethical point of view, those responsible around Zarka decided against this step: “There is also the risk of having a boomerang effect if you put unvaccinated people under too much pressure. Then they really decide not to get vaccinated. ”Instead, an agreement was reached on regular tests, especially in the health and care sector. “In this way, the risk is weighed against the rights of the individual. You have to try to find a balance between the two, ”argues Zarka.
"If you have enough vaccine, there is no reason to use the salami tactic," says Zarka when asked about the hesitant attitude of the German government on the subject of booster vaccination.
“Our experience is that you should give the third vaccination to anyone who wants it because it reduces the risk of infection.
We all want our lives back. "
Corona pandemic: fifth wave is very likely
However, one does not see an end to the pandemic anytime soon in Israel either.
It was noticed that the effect of the vaccine had waned again after five months, so that the third vaccination was considered a repetition of the original first.
“I don't know whether it will be the last vaccination either.
Maybe you need a booster, maybe two.
Maybe three or four, ”says Zarka.
Even a fifth wave can no longer be ruled out for the 57-year-old.
Due to the large number of unvaccinated people, the virus could not be reduced to zero, explains Zarka, there will always be a number of chronic infections.
"We understand that the virus will not go away."
Israel: incidence well below Germany
In contrast to Germany, 70% of all 12-15 year olds in Israel are already vaccinated, and it will be the turn of the 5-11 year olds next week.
Zarka anticipates initial skepticism among the population, but firmly believes in the implementation of the project.
“The vaccination not only offers protection against the virus, but you also get your everyday life back.
At the moment, families whose children have been in contact with infected people have to stay at home for seven days afterwards.
If you no longer want that, vaccination is the solution. "
With a value of 33.8, the incidence in Israel is significantly lower than in Germany (you can find a current overview of the number of infections for the Federal Republic of Germany here).
On September 15, the incidence was 878.2.
List of rubric lists: © Sebastian Scheiner / AP / dpa