PM Naftali Bennett and his son David Getting Covid Vaccination (GPO)
In the wake of the new outbreak of the Omicron Covid variant, Israel has become the first country to announce a push to vaccinate all citizens over the age of 60 for a fourth time. Israel was also the first country, just a few months ago, to promote a third round of vaccinations for its citizens, due to what was then the Delta variant outbreak.
Israel’s Pandemic Expert Committee made the decision to administer a fourth COVID-19 vaccine for adults over the age of 60 and medical personnel in Israel.
On the decision, Israel’s Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said, “This is wonderful news that will assist us in getting through the Omicron wave that is engulfing the world.”
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“The State of Israel is continuing to stand at the forefront of the global effort to deal with the pandemic,” added Bennett. “The citizens of Israel were the first in the world to receive the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and we are continuing to pioneer with the fourth dose as well.”
Bennett also called on all Israelis to, “Go and get vaccinated. Take responsibility for the health and livelihoods of us all. The vaccines save lives.”
The news comes as Israel just confirmed on Tuesday that the country has its first confirmed death caused by Omicron. The victim was a 75 year old man who had already received two vaccination shots. But he also suffered from several preexisting conditions. And, as of Tuesday, Israel’s Health Ministry announced that at least 170 cases of people infected with the Omicron strain had been detected in the country.
Israel acted swiftly at the start of the Omicron wave at the end of November by closing the country to foreign tourists. This week it also imposed a new ban on Israelis from travelling to most of Europe and even the U.S.
On Tuesday night the Israeli government added new restrictions on commerce in the country. These include a requirement of proof of vaccination for admission to stores larger than 100 square meters in size, as well as restaurants and other indoor places of entertainment.
Israel’s government is telling its citizens that these measures are being taken to avoid the need for another nationwide closure.
