The wind in Israel is turning. After the number of new infections dropped to zero in May, it is now increasing again dramatically. According to data from the Israeli Ministry of Health, 3818 new cases were confirmed on Monday. The last time there were such high numbers was in March. Now the government is acting.
What measures has Israel decided?
The Corona cabinet has decided, among other things, that a mask is required for outdoor events with more than 100 participants. Even events with fewer than 100 participants are only allowed to visit those who have been vaccinated, recovered or people with a negative Corona test result, regardless of whether they take place inside or outside. The test will soon also apply to children under the age of twelve. The rules will come into effect on Sunday.
Can you still travel to Israel?
No, there is an entry ban for foreigners. Returning Israelis must be in quarantine for seven days, even if they are vaccinated.
Is a new lockdown looming?
If the numbers don’t go back, yes! This could be introduced in September, as there will be several Jewish holidays and a lockdown is less damaging from an economic point of view. But already now, as many as possible should work in the home office.
Why are the numbers in Israel rising so quickly?
One explanation could be the waning effect of the Biontech / Pfizer vaccination used in Israel. According to the Ministry of Health, the vaccination has only prevented corona infection by 39 percent and serious illnesses by 91 percent since June. At the same time, the more contagious Delta variant is spreading in the country. Israel has been giving its citizens 60 and over a third dose of vaccine since last weekend.
Why was Israel seen as a role model?
Israel moved forward with vaccinations. Over 60 percent have now been vaccinated. The country was therefore one of the first to return to normal life in early summer and became a role model.
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How does Switzerland react to increasing numbers?
As in Israel, the numbers are also increasing in Switzerland. There were 1024 new cases on Thursday. The planned easing will therefore be waived for the time being. The BAG, on the other hand, wants to increase the vaccination rate. Opposite Blick, the BAG states: “We are currently preparing another national communication campaign for mid-August that will appeal to young people in particular.” Christoph Berger, President of the Federal Vaccination Commission, says in the “Tages-Anzeiger”: “It might make sense to make restaurant visits subject to a certificate or to abolish the free tests.” It has to be vaccinated at a low threshold, for example in the shopping center or at work.
Is there a third dose now also in Switzerland?
According to the BAG, current data show that full vaccination with mRNA vaccines offers good protection against current virus variants. After Moderna announced on Thursday that the company would recommend a third dose before winter because of the Delta variant, the FOPH wrote on request: “We take note of the recommendation of the vaccine manufacturer Moderna. At the present time, no booster vaccinations are planned for the general population this year. “
The situation is different at Pfizer / Biontech: They continue to trust the effectiveness of the current vaccine. This pharmaceutical company is also working on a booster: Initial data on a third dose of its own vaccine would already show promising results. After the booster dose, the degree of antibody neutralization is five to ten times higher, writes Pfizer on Blick request.
BAG remains skeptical: That’s why the third shot is needed at Moderna(01:34)