COVID in Israel: 5,755 new cases, 400 in serious condition

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Israel reported 5,755 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday according to data published by the health ministry on Wednesday.

According to the health ministry, the number of serious coronavirus cases in Israel topped Monday’s six-month high with 400 cases.

The rate of positive coronavirus tests dropped slightly from Monday’s figure of 4.91 percent to 4.59 percent on Tuesday.

More than 5.8 million Israelis have received their first vaccine; 5.4 million have received their second vaccine. 64,899 Israelis have received their third coronavirus vaccine.

90 percent of patients in Israel who are in serious condition are over 50 years old, according to figures, prompting Prime Minister Naftali Bennett to call on senior Israelis to get their third vaccine on Tuesday.

Also on Tuesday, the Health Ministry and its advisory teams began discussing whether to extend the third COVID vaccination program to those aged 45 and over.

Among experts on the pandemic response team, there is no broad support in favor of giving the shot to those younger than 60 just yet, with opinions divided on the matter, sources familiar with the subject said.

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Nevertheless, the attitude could shift within days, in accordance with the morbidity trends, or marked signs of a positive impact of the third shot on those 60 and over.

On Monday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control added Israel to its highest risk level, advising U.S. citizens to avoid travel.

The CDC raised Israel to a “Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19” classification, advising American to ensure they are fully vaccinated before travelling if they must travel to Israel.

It also warned that because of the current situation in Israel, even fully vaccinated travelers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants.

The recommendation includes the West Bank and Gaza, as well.

The CDC had previously classified Israel as a “level 3” country, advising Americans to avoid all nonessential travel.