The Health Ministry announced Thursday that starting next week, it was expanding its criteria of what constitutes a patient who has "recovered" from COVID-19.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
Until now, only Israelis who fully recovered from the virus and presented a valid positive PCR test – administered by an HMO or Magen David Adom – could be registered as such and receive a "green pass" certificate allowing them into restaurants and entertainment venues nationwide.
Starting Sunday, Israels four HMOs will be able to determine whether a person who has recovered from the virus will need to present an antigen test – administered at a site approved by the Health Ministry – or a positive PCR test.
The same will apply to recovered patients who present a positive serological test − meaning that they have coronavirus antibodies − performed in Israel. If there serological test was performed abroad, it will have to be repeated in Israel.
A person who reported coronavirus symptoms to his or her HMO general practitioner int he 14 days leading up to the first antigen or PCR test can also be defined as "recovered" under the new guidelines.
"In case of a doubt, the Exceptions Committee may refer [the person] to take a standard serological test (in case of an unvaccinated individual), or the anti-N type serological test (in case of a vaccinated individual)," the ministry explained. "If the results of the test are positive, the patient will be considered recovered."
If the person was referred to the serological test by the Exceptions Committee, the test fee would be covered by the HMO.
The ministry called on "every HMO" to inform its members of the procedures and ways in which they can apply to the Exceptions Committee.
The Health Ministry has also established an additional committee that will assist the Exceptions Committee in advising HMOs. The new committee will also handle inquiries by HMOs and individuals who have no health coverage in Israel, such as foreign students, tourists, and illegal migrants.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
