Due to the increasing number of corona infections, the so-called Green Pass has been in effect again in Israel since Thursday. At gatherings of more than 100 people, participants who are older than twelve years old must show a certificate for vaccinated or convalescent or a negative corona test result.
This applies, among other things, to sports and cultural events as well as fitness studios, restaurants, conferences and houses of prayer.
Introduced, abolished, now back
The Green Pass, which brought relief for those who had been vaccinated and those who had recovered, was introduced in Israel in February. After a significant decrease in the number of infections, however, most of the restrictions had been lifted again.
A team of experts recommended a third booster vaccination for adults, according to a statement from the Ministry of Health. However, there was disagreement about the age group who should receive the vaccination – either over 60-year-olds or over 70-year-olds. In the coming days, the ministry will make a final decision on a third vaccination and the appropriate age group, it said.
Pfizer vaccine has waned
The background for this are figures from the ministry, according to which the effectiveness of the Biontech / Pfizer vaccination used in Israel has declined sharply since the beginning of June. According to the ministry, the vaccination only prevents corona infection by 39 percent and serious illnesses by 91 percent. At the same time, the more contagious Delta variant is spreading in the country, it was said. However, government experts also criticize the fact that the effectiveness figures are not scientifically collected.
In the spring it was said that the vaccination prevented 95.8 percent of the corona disease. Hospital stays, serious illnesses and death would be prevented by around 99 percent.
The number of new corona infections reported in Israel within one day had recently exceeded the 2000 mark again. On Wednesday evening, the Ministry of Health reported 2,269 new infections. 149 corona patients are seriously ill. More than 57 percent of the population are fully vaccinated. (SDA)