Outbreak of delta variant in Israel affecting vaccinated adults and children

The Israeli government backtracked on easing restrictive measures against the coronavirus. The decision was in response to the outbreak of the delta type of COVID-19, which was first identified in India. Among the imposed rules is the mandatory use of masks indoors.

according to The Wall Street JournalAbout half of those infected have already been vaccinated with Pfizer’s immunization agent. The country’s health officials believe 90% of new infections are caused by the delta variant.

Experts in the country have said that children under 16, who are often not vaccinated, are responsible for about 50% of new cases. For this reason, the government decided to expand the vaccination campaign to include children and adolescents between the ages of 12 and 15.

Compared to other countries, the number of cases in Israel is relatively low, but it grew significantly last Thursday (June 24, 2021). It has jumped from an average of 10 new infections per day to more than 200.

Evidence from countries such as the United Kingdom suggests that even if the strain spreads, the vaccine should prevent a massive increase in serious infections and hospitalizations, which caused the collapse of Israel’s health care system in previous outbreaks. In the past 10 days, Israel has recorded 5 serious cases of COVID-19.

Israeli government no longer demand Using a muzzle indoors in mid-April and abandoning other preventive measures after implementing one of the fastest vaccination campaigns in the world. About 80% of Israelis aged 16 and over have received two doses of the Pfizer vaccine.

Israeli health officials say the Delta Bypass is likely to enter the country through its main international airport outside Tel Aviv. A system designed to screen travelers through tests has been overshadowed in recent days amid an increase in the number of flights from abroad.

“Our goal at the moment is first and foremost to protect the citizens of Israel from the delta variable, which worries the world.Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, said last Wednesday (23 June).

Since the beginning of the epidemic, 840,522 out of the country’s 9.3 million citizens have been infected, of whom 6,429 have died.

Delta Variant

In May this year, having been linked to a worsening of the epidemic in India and the United Kingdom, the World Health Organization declared the delta variable to be a concern.

The World Health Organization said on June 21 that the delta variant is transmitted more quickly compared to other strains. “It is the fastest option and can easily affect the most vulnerable‘,” said WHO Director of Health Emergencies, Mike Ryan, in an interview with reporters.

“This alternative worries us a lot and is already being traded in 92 countriesMaria Van Kerkhove, head of the WHO technical cell to combat COVID-19, added.