Having just exited the Delta coronavirus wave, Israel finds itself facing a new challenge. The Omicron variant, recently identified in South Africa, is cause for alarm. From what we know so far, it has 50 different mutations, 30 of which are in the spike protein, enhancing the virus' ability to infect the body.
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The most troubling of all is Omicron's transmission rate. South Africa has reported a sharp increase in coronavirus hospitalizations, and if Omicron is indeed responsible for this, Israel must prepare for the challenge.
While the world's greatest minds are trying to learn more about the new strain, Israel and the rest of the world must take a series of immediate measures, some of which lawmakers had already approved last week.
For example, because Omicron can be brought into the country through the Ben-Gurion International Airport, officials imposed a two-week travel ban on foreigners as well as mandatory self-isolation for Israelis who return from abroad.
Those who claim these measures are hasty must remember that we have a duty to exhibit caution, given that we do not possess all the information about the new strain.
Although preliminary data from South Africa shows that there is no evidence that Omicron is more contagious than previous strains, we will only know for sure in a few weeks.
Another matter that will become clear soon is whether the vaccine is effective against the new mutation. Doses respond to each new strain differently, but it does not necessarily mean that they will be unable to protect us against Omicron, especially when it comes to reducing the risk of serious illness.
As such, the Health Ministry must continue vaccinating the population, with an emphasis on booster shots and doses for children ages 5-11 who have not yet gotten inoculated. It must also impose restrictions on the 600,000 Israelis who outright refuse to be vaccinated.
Another complex matter is Hanukkah. Nobody wants to disturb festivities, but neither do we want another morbidity outbreak. To reduce transmission we must follow the "green pass" guidelines and test children who have not yet been vaccinated, or who are in the process of building immunity.
Omicron is another opportunity to remind policymakers of the importance and necessity of strengthening the healthcare system, increasing the number of beds in intensive care units, and more.
It seems that the coronavirus is here to stay, especially since many developing countries have not begun to immunize their population at all. In this respect, Israel has a great advantage, both due to a high number of vaccinated citizens and the advanced healthcare system.
We have the tools to minimize the impact of Omicron. And we will if we make sure to follow health guidelines, get vaccinated and wear masks. By doing so, we will show that we are responsible for one another.
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