The variant, first identified in India, has led to a surge in cases worldwide and is setting back economic recovery plans.
Having driven down coronavirus infections to single-digit numbers and zero deaths, Israel lifted its social-distancing restrictions by mid-June. But the sharp rise in daily infections presently stand at a weekly average of about 500 and some curbs have been reintroduced. His strategy rests on an approach that says the high vaccination rates among risk groups will see far less severe COVID-19 cases than in previous outbreaks, even as infections climb.
U.S. and European Union authorities have said it’s unclear yet whether booster shots are needed. Scientists have said the companies’ move was premature.Israel’s health ministry said on Monday there was still not enough unequivocal evidence for the necessity of a third booster shot for the wider public, though it has approved a third jab for people with compromised immune systems on a case by case basis.