Around 200 Israelis have tested positive for the JN.1 variant of the coronavirus (COVID-19), a Hebrew-language daily newspaper Maariv reported on Monday (Jan 1). In the past few weeks, the JN.1 strain has been spreading rapidly on a global scale.&nbsp;

As mentioned in the news report, the Health Ministry said that Israel has seen a "small rise in morbidity rates...around 200 cases of the sub-variant were recorded in Israel".&nbsp;

US-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning last month that the rapid spread of the sub-variant could force US hospitals to start preparing for large numbers of hospitalisations.&nbsp;

The JN.1 variant has triggered fears that the pandemic may return, and based on preliminary information, experts have said that the available vaccines were less effective at neutralising the strain. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/certain-countries-cancelled-new-year-celebrations-due-to-gaza-war-675553">Certain countries cancelled New Year celebrations due to Gaza war</a>&nbsp;

<h2>WHO on global health crises&nbsp;</h2>

Earlier this week, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said that the world needs to properly prepare for future pandemics after finally ending three years of Covid "crisis, pain and loss".&nbsp;

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in his end-of-year message that 2023 had marked a turning point in fighting major health challenges but had also brought "immense and avoidable suffering".&nbsp;

While commenting on the Israel-Hamas war, Tedros urged the world to ramp up relief efforts for the Gaza Strip and seal a "monumental" pandemic accord to plug preparedness gaps that were exposed during the pandemic.&nbsp;

Tedros declared an end to Covid as an international public health emergency in May. "This marked a turning point for the world following three years of crisis, pain and loss for people everywhere. I'm glad to see that life has returned to normal," he recalled in a video message.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/africa-brazil-take-steps-to-halt-donkey-trade-dealing-supply-blow-to-chinese-ejiao-medicine-675578">Africa, Brazil take steps to halt donkey trade in major blow to supplies for Chinese ejiao medicine</a>&nbsp;

Tedros said that after 10 months, the WHO also lifted a similar emergency on mpox in May 2023, while the UN health agency approved new vaccines for malaria, dengue and meningitis. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan, Belize and Tajikistan were declared malaria-free.

Tedros also noted that the health impacts of climate change featured prominently at COP28, the latest annual UN climate conference held a few weeks ago.

However, "2023 has also been a year of immense and avoidable suffering and threats to health," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Around 200 Israelis have tested positive for the JN.1 variant of the coronavirus (COVID-19), a Hebrew-language daily newspaper Maariv reported on Monday (Jan 1).

Around 200 Israelis have tested positive for the JN.1 variant of the coronavirus (COVID-19), a Hebrew-language daily newspaper Maariv reported on Monday (Jan 1). In the past few weeks, the JN.1 strain has been spreading rapidly on a global scale. As mentioned in the news report, the Health Ministry said that Israel has seen a "small rise in morbidity rates...around 200 cases of the sub-variant were recorded in Israel". US-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning last month that the rapid spread of the sub-variant could force US hospitals to start preparing for large numbers of hospitalisations. The JN.1 variant has triggered fears that the pandemic may return, and based on preliminary information, experts have said that the available vaccines were less effective at neutralising the strain. Also read: Certain countries cancelled New Year celebrations due to Gaza war WHO on global health crises Earlier this week, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said that the world needs to properly prepare for future pandemics after finally ending three years of Covid "crisis, pain and loss". WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in his end-of-year message that 2023 had marked a turning point in fighting major health challenges but had also brought "immense and avoidable suffering". While commenting on the Israel-Hamas war, Tedros urged the world to ramp up relief efforts for the Gaza Strip and seal a "monumental" pandemic accord to plug preparedness gaps that were exposed during the pandemic. Tedros declared an end to Covid as an international public health emergency in May. "This marked a turning point for the world following three years of crisis, pain and loss for people everywhere. I'm glad to see that life has returned to normal," he recalled in a video message. Also read: Africa, Brazil take steps to halt donkey trade in major blow to supplies for Chinese ejiao medicine Tedros said that after 10 months, the WHO also lifted a similar emergency on mpox in May 2023, while the UN health agency approved new vaccines for malaria, dengue and meningitis. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan, Belize and Tajikistan were declared malaria-free. Tedros also noted that the health impacts of climate change featured prominently at COP28, the latest annual UN climate conference held a few weeks ago. However, "2023 has also been a year of immense and avoidable suffering and threats to health," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel health ministry says around 200 contracted new Covid sub-variant JN.1

Citing preliminary findings of a study conducted in Israel, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has said that the fourth dose of the COVID vaccine boosts antibodies fivefold a week after the shot is administered.

Israel PM Naftali Bennett: the 4th dose of the COVID vaccine boosts antibodies fivefold

Israel is also battling a surge in Covid-19 infections due to the spread of the omicron variant. The top health advisor to the Israeli government has predicted that one-third of the country's population could contract omicron in the next few weeks.

Israel hospitals sound alarms over surging COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron mutant variant

The rapidly spreading Omicron variant is becoming a major challenge for the health authorities in Israel the healthcare system there is struggling to conduct enough Covid 19 tests.

Israel shifts focus to rapid tests amid Omicron surge

Israeli the healthcare system there is struggling to conduct enough Covid 19 tests

At a time when some countries are planning to roll out a third booster dose, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has announced that people over the age of 60 and medics would be given a fourth booster jab to protect against the fast-spreading Omicron variant.

The decision comes after Israel announced a slew of restrictions while avoiding a lockdown to curb the spread of the virus. The country has detected 175 cases of the new strain.

“The citizens of Israel were the first in the world to receive the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and we are continuing to pioneer with the fourth dose as well,” the Guardian quoted Bennet as saying on Tuesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-should-be-concerned-about-omicron-not-panicked-biden-438876">We should be concerned about omicron, not&nbsp;panicked: Biden</a>

The Israeli prime minister urged all those who meet the criteria to “go and get vaccinated.”

A statement from the health ministry noted that apart from the elderly and medical staff, the immunodeficient people will also be eligible for the fourth shot, which would be administered at least four months after the third jab.

Bennett’s remarks came following a meeting of the country's ministerial coronavirus cabinet which convened amid growing concern over the spread of the Omicron variant.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-send-500mn-free-tests-deploy-military-personnel-to-fight-covid-19-surge-438722">US to send 500mn free tests, deploy military personnel to fight COVID-19 surge</a>

Israel's decision also comes close on the heels of the first known death in the country due to the Omicron strain.&nbsp;Soroka Hospital, located in the southern city of Beersheba, said a man in his 60s died Monday, two weeks after he was hospitalised. It said the man had suffered from pre-existing health issues but gave no further details.

Earlier Tuesday, lawmakers banned citizens and residents from US travel, adding it to a list of more than 50 countries declared off-limits in an effort to contain the Omicron coronavirus variant.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-within-a-week-the-strain-increased-from-3-to-73-of-us-covid-19-cases-438597">&nbsp;Within a week, Omicron strain increased from 3% to 73% of US COVID-19 cases</a>

A parliamentary committee voted to approve a health ministry recommendation putting the United States on Israel's “red list,” along with Italy, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Hungary, Morocco, Portugal, Switzerland and Turkey, committee spokeswoman Ronit Gal said in a statement.

The ban comes into effect Wednesday and will remain in force for at least a week, Gal added.

(With inputs from agencies)

At a time when some countries are planning to roll out a third booster dose, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has announced that people over the age of 60 and medics would be given a fourth booster jab to protect against the fast-spreading Omicron variant.

At a time when some countries are planning to roll out a third booster dose, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has announced that people over the age of 60 and medics would be given a fourth booster jab to protect against the fast-spreading Omicron variant. The decision comes after Israel announced a slew of restrictions while avoiding a lockdown to curb the spread of the virus. The country has detected 175 cases of the new strain. “The citizens of Israel were the first in the world to receive the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and we are continuing to pioneer with the fourth dose as well,” the Guardian quoted Bennet as saying on Tuesday. Also read | We should be concerned about omicron, not panicked: Biden The Israeli prime minister urged all those who meet the criteria to “go and get vaccinated.” A statement from the health ministry noted that apart from the elderly and medical staff, the immunodeficient people will also be eligible for the fourth shot, which would be administered at least four months after the third jab. Bennett’s remarks came following a meeting of the country's ministerial coronavirus cabinet which convened amid growing concern over the spread of the Omicron variant. Also read | US to send 500mn free tests, deploy military personnel to fight COVID-19 surge Israel's decision also comes close on the heels of the first known death in the country due to the Omicron strain. Soroka Hospital, located in the southern city of Beersheba, said a man in his 60s died Monday, two weeks after he was hospitalised. It said the man had suffered from pre-existing health issues but gave no further details. Earlier Tuesday, lawmakers banned citizens and residents from US travel, adding it to a list of more than 50 countries declared off-limits in an effort to contain the Omicron coronavirus variant. Also read | Within a week, Omicron strain increased from 3% to 73% of US COVID-19 cases A parliamentary committee voted to approve a health ministry recommendation putting the United States on Israel's “red list,” along with Italy, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Hungary, Morocco, Portugal, Switzerland and Turkey, committee spokeswoman Ronit Gal said in a statement. The ban comes into effect Wednesday and will remain in force for at least a week, Gal added. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel announces fourth booster dose for over 60s and medics as Omicron rages

As the Hanukah holiday comes to an end and students in Israel head back to school, young children are being required to get tested for the coronavirus, before being allowed back to their studies.

For more than a week, children and families in Israel have been celebrating Hanukah, the festival of lights.

But dimming the celebrations somewhat has been Omicron, the latest variant of COVID-19.

As the festivities come to a close, children are preparing to go back to school on Tuesday.&nbsp;

But the government has said they will need to get tested if they are to be allowed back in.

Since Omicron was discovered in Israel, the government has again closed its borders to tourists, tightened quarantine rules for returning Israelis, encouraged kids to get vaccinated, and temporarily approved phone tracking of suspected carriers, which has now been suspended.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/israel-halts-virus-phone-tracker-amid-privacy-concerns-433885" hreflang="en">Israel halts virus phone tracker amid privacy concerns</a>

In this latest move, preschoolers and children in grades 1-6 will need to present a negative rapid antigen test to return to school.&nbsp;

And following a similar announcement in the UK, health officials in Israel are also said to be considering a 4th vaccine for immunocompromised people.

Israel has reported 4 more Omicron infections, bringing its total to 11 known cases. Of these, 7 were vaccinated. The new cases include a man who came into contact with an infected person who had recently travelled from South Africa. This is the first known case of Omicron being transmitted within Israel.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/two-dose-vaccines-insufficient-booster-dose-must-for-protection-against-covid-israels-health-expert-433648" hreflang="en">Two-dose vaccines insufficient, booster dose must for protection against Covid: Israel’s health expert</a>

Public healthcare experts have been saying that Omicron appears to be potentially more transmissible but less lethal than other variants.

However, Health Ministry chief, Nachman Ash, said it remains unclear how the strain will hold up against vaccines. And coronavirus czar, Salman Zarka, warned it will take another week to know the full impact of Omicron.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/two-fully-vaccinated-israeli-doctors-get-infected-with-omicron-variant-433249" hreflang="en">Two fully vaccinated Israeli doctors get infected with Omicron variant</a>

&nbsp;

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett urged caution in his weekly cabinet meeting. “Every day, we are reassessing the situation – on the basis of the data we know at the time – regarding moves to ease restrictions or make them more stringent. Everything is according to the data….Some people are saying: ‘But the situation is so good in the country, why are you being so stringent?’ The reason that the situation is good in the country is that we are taking quick and precise action. We know to relax the restrictions when necessary and when to tighten them,” he said.

 
With thousands of Israelis now expected to fly in from abroad, time will tell how this will impact Omicron cases in the country going forward.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel tightens travel restrictions over new COVID-19 variant

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As the Hanukah holiday comes to an end and students in Israel head back to school, young children are being required to get tested for the coronavirus, before being allowed back to their studies.

As the Hanukah holiday comes to an end and students in Israel head back to school, young children are being required to get tested for the coronavirus, before being allowed back to their studies. For more than a week, children and families in Israel have been celebrating Hanukah, the festival of lights. But dimming the celebrations somewhat has been Omicron, the latest variant of COVID-19. As the festivities come to a close, children are preparing to go back to school on Tuesday. But the government has said they will need to get tested if they are to be allowed back in. Since Omicron was discovered in Israel, the government has again closed its borders to tourists, tightened quarantine rules for returning Israelis, encouraged kids to get vaccinated, and temporarily approved phone tracking of suspected carriers, which has now been suspended. Also read: Israel halts virus phone tracker amid privacy concerns In this latest move, preschoolers and children in grades 1-6 will need to present a negative rapid antigen test to return to school. And following a similar announcement in the UK, health officials in Israel are also said to be considering a 4th vaccine for immunocompromised people. Israel has reported 4 more Omicron infections, bringing its total to 11 known cases. Of these, 7 were vaccinated. The new cases include a man who came into contact with an infected person who had recently travelled from South Africa. This is the first known case of Omicron being transmitted within Israel. Also read: Two-dose vaccines insufficient, booster dose must for protection against Covid: Israel’s health expert Public healthcare experts have been saying that Omicron appears to be potentially more transmissible but less lethal than other variants. However, Health Ministry chief, Nachman Ash, said it remains unclear how the strain will hold up against vaccines. And coronavirus czar, Salman Zarka, warned it will take another week to know the full impact of Omicron. Also read: Two fully vaccinated Israeli doctors get infected with Omicron variant Prime Minister Naftali Bennett urged caution in his weekly cabinet meeting. “Every day, we are reassessing the situation – on the basis of the data we know at the time – regarding moves to ease restrictions or make them more stringent. Everything is according to the data….Some people are saying: ‘But the situation is so good in the country, why are you being so stringent?’ The reason that the situation is good in the country is that we are taking quick and precise action. We know to relax the restrictions when necessary and when to tighten them,” he said. With thousands of Israelis now expected to fly in from abroad, time will tell how this will impact Omicron cases in the country going forward. Watch: Israel tightens travel restrictions over new COVID-19 variant ×

Omicron fallout: Israeli students returning to school from Hanukah holidays should test for Covid

As the Omicron variant of COVID-19 spreads rapidly around the world, there has been intense debate on the need to take a third dose or a booster shot for extra protection against the deadly virus.

Even as some countries deliberate and study the necessity of a booster dose, Israel's healthcare expert Prof Jonathan Halevy told WION on Thursday asserted that an additional Covid jab was imperative for strong protection.

“People who are double vaccinated, after a gap of 6 months following the second dose are considered to be unvaccinated. So, it only calls for the necessity to take a booster shot. Actually, the level of immunity goes down below protection level on the average in six months after the second vaccination, though it differs from person to person,” Halevy said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/omicron-no-kissing-under-mistletoe-this-christmas-advises-british-politician-433630">Omicron: No kissing under mistletoe this Christmas, advises British politician</a>

When asked whether there has been any progress in treating Covid illness, Halevy said, “As far as medications go, I believe that we are now in a much better shape compared to the year-and-a-half ago when the virus started. We now have an arsenal of medications and among them are Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations. If God forbid we have a fifth wave, we can treat the patients much earlier and efficaciously.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-in-india-dont-need-fear-says-health-ministry-as-first-2-cases-found-one-patient-fully-vaccinated-433526">Omicron in India: Don't need fear, says health ministry as first 2 cases found; one patient fully vaccinated</a>

The health expert also stressed that the children need to be vaccinated as quickly as possible, but lamented the slow pace of the vaccination rate in Israel.

“It is well proven that the vaccine is safe for children and unfortunately in Israel, the pace of vaccination among children 5-11 years old is too slow. We are trying to plead to parents not to hesitate and do it at a quicker pace. I am more apprehended by the slow pace of vaccination among kids,” said Halevy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-omicron-was-first-found-in-san-francisco-433638">Why Omicron was first found in San Francisco</a>

When asked whether it was possible to implement a national mandate making vaccines compulsory in Israel, as suggested by the country’s coronavirus czar Salman Zarka, Halevy pointed out that such orders won’t be passed in Israel.

“I don’t believe it will happen in Israel, as it is a very vivid democracy with a very meticulous approach to human rights. So, I think that coming out with a law to mandate vaccination for everyone will not happen in Israel. But I think sanctions or penalties should be given,” he said.

Out of a population of 9.4 million, 5.7 million Israelis have received two vaccine doses, and 4 million have had a third booster shot, according to Israel's health ministry data.

Israel rolled out vaccinations for children aged five to 11 last week, one of only a handful of countries to inoculate minors that young.

As the Omicron variant of COVID-19 spreads rapidly around the world, there has been intense debate on the need to take a third dose or a booster shot for extra protection against the deadly virus.

As the Omicron variant of COVID-19 spreads rapidly around the world, there has been intense debate on the need to take a third dose or a booster shot for extra protection against the deadly virus. Even as some countries deliberate and study the necessity of a booster dose, Israel's healthcare expert Prof Jonathan Halevy told WION on Thursday asserted that an additional Covid jab was imperative for strong protection. “People who are double vaccinated, after a gap of 6 months following the second dose are considered to be unvaccinated. So, it only calls for the necessity to take a booster shot. Actually, the level of immunity goes down below protection level on the average in six months after the second vaccination, though it differs from person to person,” Halevy said. Also read | Omicron: No kissing under mistletoe this Christmas, advises British politician When asked whether there has been any progress in treating Covid illness, Halevy said, “As far as medications go, I believe that we are now in a much better shape compared to the year-and-a-half ago when the virus started. We now have an arsenal of medications and among them are Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations. If God forbid we have a fifth wave, we can treat the patients much earlier and efficaciously.” Also read | Omicron in India: Don't need fear, says health ministry as first 2 cases found; one patient fully vaccinated The health expert also stressed that the children need to be vaccinated as quickly as possible, but lamented the slow pace of the vaccination rate in Israel. “It is well proven that the vaccine is safe for children and unfortunately in Israel, the pace of vaccination among children 5-11 years old is too slow. We are trying to plead to parents not to hesitate and do it at a quicker pace. I am more apprehended by the slow pace of vaccination among kids,” said Halevy. Also read | Why Omicron was first found in San Francisco When asked whether it was possible to implement a national mandate making vaccines compulsory in Israel, as suggested by the country’s coronavirus czar Salman Zarka, Halevy pointed out that such orders won’t be passed in Israel. “I don’t believe it will happen in Israel, as it is a very vivid democracy with a very meticulous approach to human rights. So, I think that coming out with a law to mandate vaccination for everyone will not happen in Israel. But I think sanctions or penalties should be given,” he said. Out of a population of 9.4 million, 5.7 million Israelis have received two vaccine doses, and 4 million have had a third booster shot, according to Israel's health ministry data. Israel rolled out vaccinations for children aged five to 11 last week, one of only a handful of countries to inoculate minors that young.

Two-dose vaccines insufficient, booster dose must for protection against Covid: Israel’s health expert

On Sunday, the Health Ministry said there were 4,130 active cases domestically and 44 serious cases. Of these serious cases, around half are vaccinated.

Israel govt changes approach towards COVID-19 pandemic

Around 81% of Israeli citizens or residents over 16 - the age group eligible for the Pfizer vaccine in Israel - have received both doses in one of the world's fastest rollouts.

Israel: PM Netanyahu announces second round of inoculation

Israel started vaccinating its population against the coronavirus on Dec 20 and the country has seen one of the most rapid vaccine rollouts of anywhere in the world.

Outdoor mask-wearing no longer required in Israel?

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