Head of Public Health Services at the Ministry of Health Sharon Alroy-Preis said Monday that she was concerned that the new coronavirus mutations could enter Israel through Ben Gurion International Airport.
“We know the vaccines are effective against Britain [coronavirus] variable but there is also a South African mutation on which the views are less effective, “Alroy-Preis said at a news conference. We need to make sure that the country does not change. “
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Head of Public Health Services in the Ministry of Health Sharon alroy-preis
(Photo: Nadav Eves, GPO)
The government on Sunday canceled flights from all destinations to land in Israel but still limited what was reaching 3,000 per day.
The chief health officer said changes that could spread in the infectious community could affect the country’s non-vaccinated population, including children, as well as those who received the vaccine, but their effectiveness may be compromised.
“We have laboratory equipment across the country to do genetic sequencing because we want to be ready. This is our biggest challenge,” she said.
She said no information was available on how long vaccinations will remain effective, telling reporters that the ministry will decide when and how additional views would be needed. as additional data versions.
“We can now hold weddings and other events if they are held in accordance with health regulations. Green pass passers can safely participate, and those who have been tested and detected negative for that virus can do it too, “she said. “I hope we have quick tests next week, and that there is no reason to hold weddings against instructions. We do not want weddings to end at funerals.”
Alroy-Preis said there were still virus-critical areas across the country where vaccination levels remained low, especially in the Arab region.
“We’re trying to encourage more people to get their jobs. That’s the way to reduce morbidity and make sure Ramadan is safely celebrated next month,” she said.
Schools remain a challenge for health professionals as Alroy-Preis stressed that students continue to study in small groups, also known as “capsules.”
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Primary students took to the classroom after Israel’s third lockout in February
(Photo: Amit Huver)
“Only older students in the 11th and 12th levels can study in full classes because they had been vaccinated,” she said, adding that the ministry was preparing a plan that would allow more children to enter classes ahead of the next school year.
“I call on all Israelis over 16 years who have not received their coronavirus vaccines to receive them. Since vaccines do not provide 100% effectiveness, we still need to use face masks and social distance. We are also gradually introducing health restrictions, “she said
The health official also said that, as of last Monday, Israel had given the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to more than Palestinian workers who were licensed to work in the country.
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Palestinians working in Israel will receive the coronavirus vaccine at a crossroads near Ramallah
(Photo: Amit Shabi)
Responding to reports that Israel would allow foreigners to be vaccinated against the pathogen at the airport, she said a service would only be available to members of one of the country’s health care providers to prevent put on vaccine tourism.