Surge In Virus Cases In Israel Is 'Worrying,' Israel's Health Chief Says

Israel Health Ministry Director-General Prof Nachman Ash said on Thursday that the number of new coronavirus cases logged by Israel each day was profoundly concerning.  

"We all hope that the measures approved by the government will stop the surge in morbidity," Ash said in a press briefing.

"I am worried that despite the new measures, we will still see the number of cases rise. We must not be complacent," he said. "The virus is here and it is crucial to observe health mitigation regulations."

The official called on the Israelis reluctant to get the vaccine to join Israel's record-setting inoculation drive. 

Meanwhile another government pandemic adviser, Prof. Eran Segal, said he expects that Israel would see the effects of the vaccine booster dose within a few weeks.

“I believe that in the next several weeks we will see if there is a shift in the trend of morbidity, if the spread is stemmed,” he said. “Failing that, we would have no choice but to conclude that the booster shot didn't work and we might have to tighten health restrictions.”