Coronavirus in Israel

Coronavirus (COVID-19) reached Israel in February 2020, but has largely been regarded as one of the countries that has best handled the pandemic. 

 

The 2019 coronavirus  pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 novel virus, originated in Wuhan, China before rapidly spreading around the world.

 

COVID-19 is a highly infectious respiratory disease, with a high rate of transmissibility. Symptoms of infection include fever, joint and muscle aches, respiratory distress, loss of the sense of taste, cognitive fog, fatigue, sore throat, and more. Senior citizens are most at risk of dying from the disease, though secondary pre-existing conditions like obesity can make some patients more susceptible to danger. In severe cases, patients undergo respiratory distress and require intubation on ventilators.

 

Israel initiated lockdowns and quarantines early in the epidemic, as well as a tracking and testing system to find confirmed cases. Once a vaccination was developed by Pfizer, Israel was quick to secure a stockpile of doses for its population. Israel’s success in distributed its vaccinations throughout its citizenry earned it the moniker the “vacci-nation.” Israel was also the first state to mandate booster shots for the Pfizer vaccine. Israel remained the most vaccinated country for much of the early global rush of inoculations.

Israel was also one of the first countries to introduce a vaccine passport -- The Green Pass, which could be downloaded onto cellphones. Israel has also maintained at times the “Happy Pass” which allowed for limited celebratory events. Some have criticized the extent to which the government has exerted control over its population during the pandemic.

 

As of November 8, 6,249,400 Israelis have had three Pfizer coronavirus vaccine shots, 5,745,267 have had two, and 3,993,873 have had one shot. A total of 452,062 Israelis have been infected with COVID19, and a total of 8,124 have died from the virus. 

Israel kicks off new COVID vaccine campaign targeting JN1 variant: What you need to know

The Ministry of Health has approved Moderna's updated COVID vaccines, which target the new JN1 variant of the virus.

 A woman is seen preparing a dose of the COVID vaccine.
 Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2

Hundreds of Israelis contract new COVID sub-variant JN.1

 A nurse prepares a booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against coronavirus (COVID-19).

New vaccine against COVID subspecies available in Israel

 A coronavirus test in Jerusalem. COVID goes beyond conflict and affects everyone. January 2022.

Health Ministry removes isolation requirement for COVID-19


Israel's COVID-19 czar: Winter is coming, be prepared

The Health Ministry has purchased enough of the new Pfizer vaccine booster for all ages over 12 years, whether they are young or old, healthy or have chronic diseases.

 Kinesiologist Maria Luz Porra puts on a mask shield before checking patients suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in an intensive care unit of a hospital, on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Argentina October 16, 2020.

Gov't not forced to release ‘secret’ COVID-19 cabinet minutes - High Court

Can the Israeli government make even non-security cabinet meetings classified with unlimited discretion? That's the issue at hand.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett addresses the coronavirus cabinet on Friday, July 16, as number of new cases rise

Paxlovid reduces risk of COVID-19 death by 81%, Clalit study shows

So far, over 30,000 COVID-19 patients in Israel have been treated with the anti-viral Paxlovid drug.

 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) treatment pill Paxlovid is seen in boxes, at Misericordia hospital in Grosseto, Italy, February 8, 2022.

Feiglin: Those under 30 need to avoid COVID-19 vaccine 'like fire'

The former MK called vaccinating little kids a "heinous act" • The Health Ministry: "Nonsense said by someone with no understanding or knowledge on the topic"

 Moshe Feiglin attends a Health Committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on November 16, 2021.

COVID-19 in Israel: Over 10,000 new cases, highest number since April

168 people are currently considered to be in serious condition.

 Magen David Adom workers wearing protective clothing release a patient from the Coronavirus ward of Shaare Zedek hospital in Jerusalem on February 09, 2022.

The deficit is fine, but what about inflation? - analysis

One of the primary battles being fought in Israel’s economic arena is the war on the increasing cost of living.

Finance Minister Avigdor Liberman checks food prices at a Jerusalem supermarket.

How are Israelis reacting to the end of the mask mandate?

With the mask mandate cancelled, Israel appears to be, for all intents and purposes, back to how it was before March 2020 and the outbreak of the pandemic.

A TEL AVIV crosswalk this week, with a mix of masked and unmasked pedestrians.

COVID-19 in Israel: Testing for schoolchildren may end March 1

A total of 12,562 new COVID-19 cases were recorded throughout Israel on Friday, according to a Saturday evening Health Ministry update.

 Children aged 5-11 receive their first first dose of Covid-19 vaccine, at Clallit vaccination center in Jerusalem on November 25, 2021.

COVID-19 in Israel: Airport restrictions removed as Bennett plans overhaul

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is reportedly planning to remove all Omicron restrictions currently in place in Israel by March 1.

 Travellers seen at the Ben Gurion International Airport, on December 22, 2021.

COVID-19 in Israel: 37,559 new cases, number of serious patients remains steady

IDF soldiers now eligible for fourth vaccine dose

 Healthcare workers wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) stand at the entrance of a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) hospital in Ahmedabad, India, January 7, 2022.

Israeli startup claims plant-based treatment can stop COVID, Omicron symptoms

Novel Concepts claimed that its treatment will be submitted for emergency use authorization in a number of countries.

 SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 (illustrative).