Delta variant in Israel: confirmed more than 100 cases of coronavirus in one day for the first time since the end of April

Israel today surpassed 100 covid positives for the first time in months amid a gradual increase in cases with more than 90% infection with the Delta variant, of which 40% were vaccinated.

The country, with more than nine million inhabitants, had practically returned to normal and a week ago it canceled the obligation to wear a mask indoors with a morbidity rate at the lowest since April.

Today, the health ministry reported 105 new infections in the past 24 hours, which increases the positivity rate from 0.1% to 0.3%. In total, 397 cases are active with 51 people hospitalized, including 24 in serious condition including 18 connected to ventilators.

The data, although still weak, worries Israeli authorities over the trend and new Prime Minister Naftalí Bennett this week approved a strengthening to control the mandatory quarantine of returnees from abroad without vaccinations, as well as controls at Ben Gurion International Airport.

In addition, the Ministry of Health yesterday recommended “firmly” vaccination among minors between 12 and 15 years after the outbreaks detected in two cities of the country which forced the closure of schools.

Over 5.1 million people in Israel received both doses since the start of the rapid vaccination campaign at the end of December and infections have declined considerably, causing most restrictions to be lifted.

In mid-April, the exterior mask was no longer mandatory and from June 15, indoors, with a few exceptions such as airports, nursing homes and social institutions.

The entry of foreigners with a tourist visa, banned since March 2020, was eased at the end of May, when organized groups with vaccinated tourists began to be allowed in.

From July 1, the country intends to allow access to vaccinated tourists who arrive individually.

Given the increase in cases due to the Delta variant, predominant in Israel, Health will consider further restrictions although the national pandemic coordinator, Nachman Ash, clarified that “unnecessary measures which could affect the confidence of the population” will not be taken.

With information from EFE

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