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Israel on Thursday marked the milestone of inoculating 2 million people with the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine, as the country continued the nationwide vaccination campaign amid record daily infections.
The person said to be the two millionth Israeli to receive the first dose was a kindergarten teacher in the central town of Ramle. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Health Minister Yuli Edelstein, both of whom received the second dose, were on site at the city’s Maccabi health services clinic.
“It’s already become a routine… It’s something we’re happy to get used to, but most of all we want to end it,” Netanyahu said. “We will continue – until the next million.”
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The prime minister said the government was working to roll out “green passports,” which will allow people who have been vaccinated or who have recovered from COVID-19 access to certain currently banned gatherings and events.
Netanyahu urged Israelis to adhere to government-imposed virus restrictions and said no decision has yet been made on extending the third nationwide lockdown, which health officials said it would last beyond the original end date of January 21.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (2nd-L) and Minister of Health Yuli Edelstein (2nd-R) at a Maccabi health services clinic in the central city of Ramle as a kindergarten teacher becomes the 2 millionth Israeli to be vaccinated against COVID-19 on January 14, 2021. (Screenshot: Facebook)
Israel launched its vaccination campaign last month and on Sunday began administering second doses. It is currently the first in the world in number of people vaccinated per capita, according to Our World In Data, based at the University of Oxford.
According to TV reports Thursday, Israel could start vaccinating all citizens in quarantine next week, after opening vaccine collection this week to all Israelis over 50.
Coinciding with the launch of the vaccination campaign has been an increase in coronavirus cases, with more than 9,000 new infections per day diagnosed in recent days.
There has also been a sharp increase in deaths and in the number of critically ill patients following complications from COVID-19.
Citing a new report from the Hebrew University, Channels 12 and 13 said on Thursday severe cases are expected to increase dramatically in the coming days and peak by the end of January as the vaccine rollout did not not yet had a significant impact on morbidity.
However, researchers have also found evidence of stabilization in infection rates that could lead to a drop in new cases and help ease the burden on hospitals.
Due to high morbidity and mortality figures, the government last week tightened lockdowns that went into effect a week earlier, ordering the closure of schools and businesses.
Police were preparing to significantly expand enforcement of the national coronavirus lockdown over the weekend, setting up checkpoints that will operate around the clock.
Police said dozens of checkpoints would be set up along main roads, as well as in towns and villages. Strengthened enforcement measures will begin at 6 a.m. on Friday.
The lockdown rules prevent Israelis from traveling beyond a mile from their homes except for essential reasons. Fewer Israelis are expected to travel this weekend when their workplace closes.
Police at a temporary checkpoint at the Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City on January 14, 2021, during a third nationwide coronavirus lockdown. (Yonatan Sindel / Flash90)
Lockdown rules prevent Israelis from traveling beyond a mile from their homes except for essential purposes. Fewer Israelis are expected to travel this weekend when their workplace closes.
“During the weekend, we intend to issue fines and make it difficult for those traveling on the roads because we understand that there is no reason to go out,” said the commissioner. Deputy Yishai Shalem, Head of the Israel Police Operations Department. Ynet news site.
Shalem said police were happy with his execution measures over the past week.
Police also said the number of fines imposed this week increased by 34% from the previous week, before the increased lockdown measures took effect.
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