The struggle in Corona:
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is holding an urgent meeting today (Friday) with senior Ministry of Health officials to discuss how to deal with the problematic situation in which a person infected with a new variant discovered and spread in South Africa was identified in Israel.
In his opening remarks, Bennett said: "We are currently on the verge of an emergency. I ask everyone to be fully prepared and harnessed for work around the clock."
Bennett stressed during the hearing that "a few weeks ago, when we did the 'Omega' national exercise for a new lethal variant scenario, it would have seemed a bit detached. Needless to say, this is one of the most significant moves that has prepared us for the situation we are now in. In the evening, we returned to the insights from the exercise and began to apply quickly. "
South Africans on the difficulties in the country due to the spread of the corona virus // Photo: Reuters
The Prime Minister referred to the contagious nature of the new variant and noted that "the new variant is highly contagious, at a much faster rate than the Delta. We are currently feeding on the South African health system, which is doing a very impressive job, but we do not yet have the full information. Very fast - we will know if the variant really breaks out in immunity, at what rate, whether it is more lethal or not, how it affects children, etc.
Bennett explained that he was updated on the presence of the variant carrier during the night, and said the situation was disturbing.
"Our overriding principle at the moment is to act quickly, strongly and now. Especially when it comes to entering and leaving Israel, until the situation becomes clear. When it becomes clear, we will decide what we do."
Earlier today, the Ministry of Health updated that the variant that was discovered and spread in African countries - B.1.1529 - was first identified in Israel.
This is a person who returned from Malawi, who was not at all on the list of red countries, and was diagnosed as positive.
In addition, there are suspicions of two more cases of returnees from abroad who are currently awaiting the results of their flooring and have been sent for isolation. The concern is that the new strain may be more contagious and even resistant to vaccines.
In the discussion chaired by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Health, which took place yesterday, the following decisions were made:
The following countries were defined at this time as red: South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Aswatini.
Foreigners from these countries will not be able to enter Israel.
All returnees from these countries, including those vaccinated with a third vaccine, will be referred for isolation in Corona hotels for 7 days, and will be released after performing 2 PCR tests that have a negative result.
Passengers who refuse to be checked will be charged for 14 days of isolation at the Corona Hotel.
Were we wrong?
Fixed!
If you find an error in the article, we will be happy for you to share it with us and we will correct it
