concern about the increase in coronavirus cases with the Delta variant, even among the vaccinated

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

The country, with more than nine million inhabitants, had practically returned to normal and for a week he waived the requirement to wear a mask indoors with the lowest death rate since April.

Today the Ministry of Health announced 105 new infections over the past 24 hours, increasing the positivity rate from 0.1% to 0.3%.

In all, 397 cases are active, with 51 people hospitalized, including 24 are in serious condition including 18 connected to respirators.

The data, although still weak, they worry the authorities Israelis for the upward trend.

New Prime Minister Naftali Bennett this week approved a reinforcement to control the compulsory quarantine of returnees from abroad unvaccinated, as well as checks at Ben-Gurion International Airport.

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

More than 5.1 million of residents in Israel received the two 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.

Mid-April, the outdoor mask it is no longer mandatory and, since June 15, also indoors, with a few exceptions such as airports, retirement homes and social welfare institutions.

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

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

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

With information from EFE

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