Against the background of the jump in morbidity: In accordance with the order of the director general of the Ministry of Health, which was signed today (Thursday), there is an obligation to wear a mask in a gathering of more than 50 people in an open area.
The order will be discussed earlier this week in the Knesset Health Committee.
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Also, following the corona cabinet’s approval in tonight’s telephone poll, a green card requirement will apply starting at midnight at cultural events and prayers held in an open area with over 100 participants (instead of 1,000 people, as has been the case so far).
The relevant regulations will be discussed earlier this week in the Knesset’s Constitution Committee.
The heads of the health system held a special press conference this evening, which was attended by Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz, the director general of the ministry, Prof. Nachman Ash, head of public health services Dr. Sharon Elrai Price and Projector Corona. Prof. Salman Zarka.
They referred to the expected steps of the system and the instructions requested from the public.
Prof. Nachman Ash explained during his remarks that at this stage there is no limit to the number of participants in open spaces, but a decision has been made awaiting approval, which will give the participation of one hundred people and more in green.
Ash also revealed that he had today signed an order that went into effect immediately, according to which it is now mandatory to wear masks in an open area in gatherings of more than 50 people.
The CEO said: “Regarding the vaccines, there is a decrease in the effectiveness of the booster vaccine, which protects well against the micron. We have seen that there is a difference in the protection of an impulse vaccine whether it is fresh or after 4 months. “
He added: “The advisory team of experts has recommended a fourth vaccine for immunosuppressants, those aged 60 and over and healthcare workers. We know the omicron causes mild morbidity, the question is how much. The higher the risk, the higher the vaccine. Today I approved the administration of the fourth vaccine to those who have been vaccinated, in light of the fear that they are more vulnerable in the omicron outbreak. We will continue to monitor the data and examine the decision every day and whether we are required to expand the recommendation. “
He stressed: “We are strengthening the community and hospitals, as we have done in previous waves, with staff from the medical corps and other factors. We believe that the capabilities of intensive care in hospitals should be strengthened for fear of excess morbidity. “
Minister Nitzan Horowitz said: “We are ready for high infection rates. Prepare in advance and our situation is better than most of the world. However, do not be complacent. “Unfortunately, we know that this is not a flu and it is impossible to treat Omicron lightly.”
He said, “We understand that there will be a very high level of infection and that it will not be possible to prevent it. However, anxiety and fear in the public must not be sown. We received today the first shipment of Pfizer’s corona drug. The drug is not a substitute for the vaccine and does not replace it. It will be given to people who have been infected and to prevent serious illness and hospitalization from them. “
Dr. Elrai Price, said that in terms of data, the morbidity in the Omicron variant is breaking records. “We do not think this variant particularly attacks children, but because there are massive infections and children are not yet fully vaccinated, they are the main contagious.
“In terms of the severity of the disease, it is milder in Omicron. However, this does not neutralize the extensive adhesion of the omicron, which is 4-2 times more contagious than the Delta.
Elrai Price emphasized: “Epidemics do not always have complete information. In general, I stand behind the recommendation to vaccinate. “
Prof. Zarka mentioned that the Delta variant is still here and that Israel is dealing with the two variants at the same time. “We are on a very sharp upward trend in the verified in recent days. From half a percent verified of all tests, we reached almost three percent of verified. We are also seeing an increase in the number of patients. “
Prof. Zarqa noted that “there is no absolute certainty that someone who came out negative in an antigen test is negative and therefore there is a recommendation not to attend mass events and nursing homes.”