Coronavirus Outbreak

Health Ministry officials are concerned that celebrations on Purim might cripple its efforts to curb the coronavirus outbreak and leave the ministry no choice but to again shutter schools.

With around half of population still susceptible to COVID-19, government weighs curfew over Purim holiday. New campaign aims to ensure Israel's homebound Holocaust survivors are vaccinated for the virus.

Health Ministry, Magen David Adom set up vaccination stations at IKEA stores across the country in effort to encourage more Israelis to get the jab. Three-day campaign will allow shoppers to drop by and get vaccinated without an appointment.

Even accounting for the coronavirus’ projecting spike proteins and the fact that the spherical particles will leave gaps when stacked together, the total is still less than in a single 330-millilitre can of soda, says Bath University maths expert Kit Yates.

Israel currently has 44,728 active cases of the coronavirus, 858 of which are serious. So far, 5,563 people have died.

Breakthrough field study by Sheba Medical Center is world's first to examine impact of first dose of Pfizer vaccine on morbidity and infection. Research findings are of practical significance for countries forced to delay administration of a second dose due to a lack of vaccines.

Unprecedented demand follows complaints about two doctors who have called on people not to get vaccinated. Doctors have been told not mention their title, expertise, hospital where they work when posting about the vaccine.

Pfizer study finds South African variant could significantly reduce vaccine efficacy. Meanwhile, English health authorities discover 38 cases of yet another COVID-19 mutation.

Health Ministry reports 4,389 new cases since Tuesday as 71,171 tests yield a positive test rate of 6.4%. Meanwhile, Israel passes a key milestone as the country delivers its 4-millionth initial vaccination shot.