The increased morbidity rate might lead to a longer nationwide lockdown than was initially planned. Israelis over the age of 50 are now eligible to get vaccinated. Preliminary data shows that the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine offers 50% protection after the first two weeks, and the second dose offers a 95% protection after one week.
Czech Republic seeks advice from Israel, which has already vaccinated over 1.9 million inhabitants, on how to vaccinate its population as quickly as possible. Diaspora Affairs Minister wants Israel to vaccinate Holocaust survivors all over the world.
Medical centers in Israel’s north open multiple COVID wards to deal with record-breaking hospitalizations. Corona chief says Health Ministry to consider number of daily cases, patients in serious condition, as well as rate of reproduction when deciding to lift the third lockdown.
Coronavirus coordinator Professor Nachman Ash tells reporters that 3rd lockdown is starting to have an effect and there are signs that Israel is "flattening the curve."
Rooms use a ventilation system that creates negative pressure to allow air to flow into the isolation room and be channeled out safely, helping prevent the spread of airborne pathogens.
Health Ministry: Four Israelis so far have tested positive for the new COVID variant. Military Intelligence says the mutated virus can infect recovered patients. Death toll crosses 3,500.
As of Saturday night, some 1.8 million Israelis inoculated with the first dose of Pfizer vaccine. Ahead of vaccination, Netanyahu says Israelis will come out of this pandemic “stronger than ever.”
Health Ministry reports Friday that of the 122,000 tests conducted on Thursday, 7,597 came back positive. Coronavirus tests will no longer be available without a referral.
Arab Israelis, who make up 21% of the population, have been slow to respond to calls to be vaccinated, although one vaccination center in northern Israel reports that turnout is increasing as people realize vaccine is safe.
Moderna vaccines are expected to arrive in Israel throughout January. Teachers given priority for vaccinations.
