The coronavirus pandemic continues to deceive. We are all tired of the coronavirus, and yet we still need to take a deep breath ahead of the coming weeks, not out of a sense of panic but to ensure we remain alert and conduct ourselves appropriately in this new situation.
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We should also keep in mind just how much things have improved since last December: The vaccines changed the situation dramatically, new medicines entered the scene, and we are better able to test for the virus including through the use of rapid testing. Special programs have also been put in place to protect senior citizens and children in school.
On the other hand, it is clear to all that despite the importance of the vaccines, they are not a miracle cure: The world failed in the equitable supply of vaccines among and even within different countries, which led to, among other things, differences in morbidity levels and death rates and provided fertile ground for variants to develop. Immunity diminishes over time, and the world often responds to vaccines with skepticism, skepticism that is motivated by both fake news and dangerous partisanship that undermines social cohesion.
The vaccines won't solve the psychological, social, and economic problems, but it must be clearly said: They are an impressive and unprecedented achievement, and we must not throw the baby out with the bathwater: With all of the criticism over vaccine access and global conduct, including by the pharmaceutical companies themselves, the vaccines are a safe tool with side effects that usually pass. The disease is more dangerous than the vaccine, including in children. Ensuring greater access to vaccines, together with incentives and partnerships with civil society, are the best solution. Scare tactics, unwise use of the green pass program, and various sanctions – none of these will lead to increased vaccination rates.
We must demonstrate to the public that we are now in a new era. This is a confusing time that on one hand demands a very similar response to the one we have grown familiar with: We must continue to wear masks, in particular in closed spaces, and avoid unnecessary gatherings, protect the at-risk population, keep sick children home from school, and not go to work sick.
On the other hand, the Omicron variant, which is around four times more contagious than the Delta and is already widespread in Israel, demands a paradigm shift: The damage caused by the continued widespread quarantine of those exposed to confirmed carriers far outweighs the benefits. As a result, quarantine conditions have changed. From now on, the emphasis should be on quarantining virus carriers, in the same way that there is no longer any benefit to closing the skies to Israelis.
Ahead of the new year, it must be emphasized: Changes to quarantine policy following exposure to a confirmed coronavirus carrier does not mean the pandemic is over. The reproduction rate is charging ahead, and as a result, we must avoid unnecessary gatherings. We must take extra care when it comes to those who are high-risk. A simple example is the potential threat posed by those who work with the elderly and return to work after attending a New Year's Eve party. A comprehensive plan must be drawn up to contend with such scenarios, and those individuals must be tested for the virus before returning to work.
In conclusion, we must remember that it is our responsibility to contend with the pandemic in a comprehensive manner: This is not just the job of the health system but of all government ministries and requires the Finance Ministry to reach into its pockets to provide financial support at this complicated time. We are continuing to learn how to live alongside the coronavirus, and adapt to the threat it presents in a proportionate manner, with an outlook that takes into account not only the number of coronavirus cases but also addresses the long-term mental, social, and economic impacts of the disease.
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