Delta variant: Israel warned of risk of another wave of coronavirus as cases of new strain increase

A week after the removal of the mandatory use of masks in closed places such as bars, restaurants, shopping malls and schools, Israel made an unexpected appeal to the population to warn that a new wave of the pandemic is on its way. possible due to the increase in infections caused by the more dangerous Delta variant which originated in India.

“We have decided to react as if we are facing a new wave” of viruses, warned the new Israeli prime minister, Naftali Bennett.

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Health authorities announced on Monday that 125 new cases of COVID-19 had been detected. This is a sizable increase after weeks when daily infections were only a handful.

Bennett’s statements surprised Israelis, who have lived for weeks in near normalcy after overcoming the pandemic amid the success of the coronavirus vaccination campaign, considered the most advanced in the world. More than half of Israel’s population has already received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Our goal is to put an end to it, take a bucket of water and pour it on the fire while it’s still small, ”said Bennett, visiting Tel Aviv International Airport.

Beyond the alarm raised by the government, the number of deaths from COVID-19 remains low. This Tuesday only one death was reported.

The Delta variant, in the sights

In his remarks, Bennet said authorities are concerned about the emergence of the Delta variant, which is more contagious than the other strains that have burst into Israel.

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The alarms went off after more than 1,000 people were quarantined in Binyamina, north of Tel Aviv, following the return of travelers from Cyprus.

For this reason, during a press conference, Bennett asked the Israelis not to travel abroad.

Authorities have announced that they will set up an additional testing center at the airport to ensure all travelers take a PCR test upon arrival. Israel remains closed to non-resident foreigners, except for compelling professional or family reasons.

Nine out of 10 cases are of the Delta variant

The biggest concern of health authorities is that more than 90% of new cases of coronavirus belong to the Delta variant. In addition, 40% of new patients were already vaccinated.

In total, there are 397 active cases with 51 people hospitalized, of which 24 are in serious condition and 18 are connected to ventilators.

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

More than 5.1 million people in Israel have already received both doses of the vaccine since the rapid vaccination campaign began in late December and infections have dropped dramatically, lifting most restrictions. 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.