"This disease constantly challenges us," health official says of newest coronavirus strain dubbed Lambda, which is said to be highly infectious but still no match to the Delta strain, which is particularly aggressive.
Although the data is still only initial and incomplete, it seems to coincide with the initial findings relating to side-effects among 12-15-year olds who have already received special authorization to vaccinate prior to others in their age group because of severe pre-existing medical conditions.
The US Food and Drug Administration amends its emergency use authorization for Moderna and Pfizer vaccines to allow a third jab for organ transplant recipients or those with similarly weakend immune systems.
"Lockdowns are truly a last resort," says Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, adding "Our goal is simple: to preserve the health of Israelis, and also to preserve the economic future of Israel."
Israel Hayom poll shows that 67% of Israelis are worried about the latest COVID outbreak, but only 45% see a lockdown during the High Holidays as an appropriate course of action. 51% of respondents say Opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu is the best person to serve as PM.
Likud MKs blast agreement that would see hospitals receive extra medical workers on condition they stay mum if they become overwhelmed. Netanyahu blasts PM, Shaked for wasting time instead of saving lives.
Tensions are high in Iran as the supreme leader's ban on foreign vaccines severely curtails the republic's ability to purchase doses. Meanwhile, the well-to-do buy Pfizer and Moderna shots on the black market for as much as $1,350.
Daily caseload tops 5,755 with 400 patients in serious condition, Health Ministry says. Housing Minister Ze'ev Elkin says that unless the infection rate is curbed, lockdown could be imminent.
The police will focus their efforts on cities with high infection rates, including Hadera, Rehovot, Ashkelon, Kiryat Gat, Ashdod, and Yavne.
A total of 6,275 new cases of the coronavirus were diagnosed across Israel on Monday, up from 3,421 a day earlier. The percentage of tests coming back positive also rose, rising from 3.9% on Sunday to 4.84% Monday. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention raises its COVID-19 travel alert level for Israel to the highest risk warning.