Israel is entering a new stage of the pandemic: learning to live alongside the coronavirus. Not from a place of complacency, but proactiveness. We have plenty of things to do now, like stepping up our efforts to vaccinate our children. My youngest son, 14 years old, received his second dose a week ago. Enough research has been done by now to prove that the vaccine is effective and safe.
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We also need to continue wearing masks indoors, in crowded areas and lead our lives using common sense, even following guidelines that the government has not yet imposed. For instance, for those who do not absolutely have to travel abroad this summer, there are plenty of vacation options in Israel.
Furthermore, we, the health professionals, must turn to the public and explain that the coronavirus is here to stay. It will not disappear but will become another respiratory virus that requires immunization. And that is what makes the current outbreak of infections different than all that came before. This time we have a vaccine.
Keep in mind that the Delta variant, the culprit behind the current infection spike, is more contagious than any other strain detected in the past. It was brought into Israel sometime in April, and four months later, it accounts for more than 90% of new cases. And yet, the mortality level remains low, giving the healthcare system more leeway to take measures to curb the morbidity rate. And although the healthcare system seems to be doing well, it does not mean that we can allow ourselves to become complacent.
Getting vaccinated and following guidelines, including those that pertain to traveling abroad, can prevent new cases of illness, hospitalization, and even death.
It was wise of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to appoint Maj. Gen. (res.) Roni Numa to oversee the implementation of new coronavirus measures for those entering Israel.
While Israel has adopted international health standards in 2007, implementation has been lacking because of red tape among various government agencies. The social and economic gaps won't just magically disappear with the vaccines, and we must also address the many shortcomings in our healthcare system.
If we do well on all levels – personal and national – we will be much more successful in curbing the pandemic and improve all areas that need improving, and be prepared for the future of the "new normal."
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