The omicron variant leads to a rapidly increasing number of infections in Israel. A leading government health advisor has already calculated that every third Israeli could become infected with the coronavirus within the next three weeks. The Ministry of Health now seems to be hoping that herd immunity could be achieved in this way. In order to cushion the negative consequences, the fourth vaccination was released for everyone over sixty at the beginning of the week.
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s warnings had become increasingly urgent in the past few days. He spoke of a “storm” or a “tsunami” building up in front of Israel. On Sunday evening he announced in a press conference broadcast live on television at prime time: “The wave has arrived and nothing can prevent it.” The aim of his policy was to “keep economic life as functional as possible while protecting the weakest as much as possible”. In practice, this is a rejection of strict restrictions or even a lockdown.
Five weeks ago, after the first reports of the appearance of the Omikron mutant, Israel immediately closed its borders to foreigners and also drastically restricted travel opportunities for Israelis abroad. Bennett does not skimp on self-praise that this measure delayed the spread of the highly contagious virus variant and that valuable time was gained for preparatory measures.
Now, however, the virus is spreading with unprecedented dynamics. In just ten days, the number of daily reported cases has multiplied from fewer than 1,000 to more than 6,500. Bennett expects up to 50,000 daily cases at the height of the fifth wave. That would be five times as many as at the peak of the pandemic last summer.
Only 60 percent have been fully vaccinated so far
However, the number of serious cases of illness rises much more slowly, which is attributed to the better protection of vaccinated persons against severe courses. So far, there are only a good 100 patients in Israel with severe corona diseases in the hospital, the vast majority of whom are not vaccinated or only inadequately vaccinated. Bennett used these numbers again to promote vaccination.
This appeal is also necessary because in Israel, which was previously celebrated as the “vaccination world champion”, only 60 percent of the population are now considered fully vaccinated. 31 percent have not been vaccinated at all, and nine percent have had the second vaccination date more than six months ago. So far, just under 4.3 out of 9.5 million Israelis have had a third vaccination. The fourth dose should now be given to the elderly four months after the third at the earliest.
In contrast to all the dramatic warnings about the “omicron tsunami”, the containment measures, beyond the vaccination appeals, are rather lax and often changing. Restaurants and clubs are full, concerts are well attended. Even public security minister Omer Bar-Lev has been critical: “We are confusing the public,” he said. “I have to vote on new measures four times a day.”
On Monday it was even announced that the entry ban for vaccinated or recovered tourists from most countries would be lifted from next Sunday. In view of the high number of Israeli infections, the risk of an additional introduction of the virus is now “meaningless,” said Bennett.
In the mass paper Yedioth Ahronoth has already been criticized for having apparently given up on stopping the spread of the virus and adopting a “policy of resignation”. Health Ministry Director General Nachman Ash announced that Israel would soon be on the cusp of herd immunity. “The price of herd immunity is very much infection,” he said, “and that might be what happens.”