Coronavirus Outbreak

China is eager to distribute its vaccines worldwide, driven by a desire to repair the damage to its image caused by the pandemic that started a year ago in Wuhan.

Some 800,000 Israelis have received the first doses of the COVID vaccine. 5.5% of tests processed are positive, with over 1,000 COVID patients hospitalized and a death toll of 3,314.

Noting 152,000 Israelis vaccinated on Tuesday, Health Minister says, "This is how we defeat a pandemic!" Infection rate now stands at 5.7%. One out of every 132 Haredim aged 65 and over has died of COVID-19, Health Ministry data finds.

Around 2.4 million more vaccine doses are expected to arrive in the country in the coming days, says Health Minister Yuli Edelstein, who hails Israel as the "world leader" in inoculation speed.

With few police officers out enforcing the rules, Tel Avivians take to the streets and the city's promenade, some without masks. In the formerly "green tourist island" of Eilat, streets are empty, hotels closed.

Health Minister Yuli Edelstein visits vaccination center in Sderot, assures the public that there will be no shortage of COVID vaccines.

Some 379,000 people have received the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine, Israel close to administering 100,000 doses a day, Health Minister Edelstein says. Minister praises "amazing work" of Health Ministry, healthcare providers, hospitals, Magen David Adom, and Israel's citizens in vaccination campaign.

Over 1,000 COVID patients hospitalized, 160 of whom were listed in critical condition. 2,861 medical workers quarantined.

Interior Minister Amir Ohana says prison staff to receive vaccines while prisoners to be inoculated in accordance with guidelines for vaccinating general population. Israel Prison Service hopes to receive coronavirus vaccines for inoculating staff this week.

Leaders of hardline Jerusalem Faction issue special letter assuring followers that "expert doctors" have not found any evidence that the COVID vaccine poses a danger.