Posted on 01/03/22
Jerusalem, Israel - Jan. 3, 2020 - Prime Minister Naftali Bennett held a press conference on Sunday evening, January 2, 2022, in the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, Israel to announce the latest government plans in response to the rise in corona cases due to the spread of the Omicron variant.
"Good evening" he began his remarks. "The Omicron wave is here."
The Prime Minister then announced that the Heath Ministry Director-General Prof. Nachman Ash and Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz came to the decision to allow a fourth dose of the vaccine to be given to all adults over 60 and health care workers who received the previous dose at least four months ago.
Bennett in his address posted live on social media sites called on everyone eligible for a fourth dose to get vaccinated. Secondly, he said to be strict about wearing masks.
With his unique experience and expertise as the former coronavirus czar and currently serving as the CEO of Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov), Prof. Ronni Gamzu discussed the decision with the media on a Media Central zoom session on Monday.
Gamzu began by saying that Omicron with its 4 or 5 times higher numbers has pushed the delta variant aside. It is possible to overwhelm the health care systems in the world. The decision for the 4th booster was a professional and not a political one and he agreed all 60 years and above and medical staff should get the 4th shot.
Interesting in response to questions, Gamzu mentioned that closed borders are useless and skies should be opened. Omicron could lead to herd immunity. However, he warned there may be many surprises ahead.
Gamzu added that the flu season is not being seen in peaks anywhere in the world, it is still lower than in the past.
In conclusion, Bennett thanked the health system, Health Minister and Director General, and the Public Health Service Director Dr. Sharon Alroy-Preis, national coronavirus project manager Prof. Salman Zarka, and "all of the good people who are working together."
On Monday in Jerusalem at the Mishgav Ladach, Meuhedet Clinic vaccines were being given at an efficient pace in an orderly manner. A news crew came to record the beginning of the administering of the 4th COVID vaccine shots.