Coronavirus

New Hope MK: I won't vaccinate my children

MK Michal Shir in TV interview: As a parent I do not understand why a 5-year-old child should be vaccinated.

Pfizer CEO: Israel is a beacon of hope in this pandemic

Albert Bourla talks about his good relations with Netanyahu and Bennett and answers parents who are worried over the COVID vaccine.

Former Dutch queen tests positive for COVID-19

Princess Beatrix, 83, is in isolation at home and abiding by rules for people who have tested positive.

CDC to declare one-day travel restriction

The CDC has announced that there will be new travel restrictions - for one day only.

Anti-vaccine group places unapproved ads at New York bus stop

An anti-vaccine ad by an Orthodox group briefly took over a Crown Heights bus stop.

US tightens travel rules amid concerns over Omicron

All in-bound international passengers will require to test for COVID-19 within 24 hours of departure, regardless of vaccine status.

NYC to require workers at religious schools to be vaccinated

Committee of NYC Religious and Independent School Officials opposes vaccine mandate for religious and private schools.

Case of Omicron variant identified in Colorado

Colorado health officials report third confirmed case of the Omicron variant in the US.

Israel to fine those who do not undergo second PCR test

Fines will be imposed on persons arriving from overseas who do not undergo second PCR test on the third or seventh day since their arrival.

3rd Omicron case identified in Israel

All 3 confirmed cases of Omicron variant are people who returned from abroad and were vaccinated.

South African expert: Vaccines better protection against Omicron

Data from South Africa shows more people who recovered from COVID becoming reinfected with Omicron, vaccines prevent serious illness.

JReady making broad impact on Jewish emergency preparedness

Jewish Agency program has reached 39 countries, communities, organizations in past year, equipping Jews with tools to address challenges.

Protest: Models - yes, vaccinated Jews - no

Miss Universe contestants allowed to enter Israel despite the ban on foreigners - while parents of immigrants are barred from entering.

Israeli contracted Omicron at conference where all were vaxxed

Dr. Maor returned from London, went back to work, and infected at least one colleague before developing symptoms. He is fully vaccinated.

Report: PMO tried to persuade Bennett's wife to cancel trip

Prime Minister's Office tried to persuade his wife to cancel vacation abroad, but she refused.

Biden to extend public transit mask mandate through mid-March

The move comes amid concerns over the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Report: Trump tested positive for COVID before debating Biden

Trump's Chief of Staff says in new book that former President tested positive for COVID-19 three days before first debate against Biden.

US reports first case of Omicron variant

A traveler who returned from South Africa on November 22 and tested positive on November 29 is first US case of new COVID-19 variant.

'We need to examine all options - including mandatory vaccines'

'Israel's approach is more understanding - and that comes with a price,' coronavirus czar Prof. Salman Zarka says.

Fauci: Too early to know if Omicron will lead to severe disease

Top US infectious disease expert says preliminary information indicates Omicron does not result in unusual symptoms.

Federal judge blocks Biden's vaccine mandate

Federal judge in Louisiana issues nationwide preliminary injunction against Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers.

Initial data shows vaccine very effective against Omicron strain

New data shows drop in vaccine's efficacy is slight and transmission is not significantly faster than Delta's.

FDA panel backs Merck's COVID-19 pill

FDA advisory committee recommends emergency authorization of Merck’s experimental drug to treat COVID-19.

Israeli PM launches Pandemic Information Center on Twitter

'The world has shown great interest, and Israel is eager to share our knowhow on COVID-19 with the world,' PM Bennett says.

Health Min.: 'No reason to panic, there's room for optimisim'

Health Min. visits Be'er Sheva hospital, says there are 'initial indications' that booster dose protects against the new Omicron variant.

PM Bennett to world leaders: Booster has very quick effect

PM Naftali Bennett speaks with Austrian Chancellor, Czechia's PM, about the new 'Omicron' COVID-19 variant.

Stocks plunge following Moderna CEO's gloomy predictions

Stéphane Bancel stressed risks involved in switching production to Omicron-focused vaccine, suggested booster doses were a better option.

Israel has 34 suspected cases of Omicron COVID variant

Two confirmed carriers are doctors at Sheba Hospital; both were fully vaccinated including with booster dose.

Israeli research reveals link between COVID and stillbirth

Coronavirus infection appears to cause significant damage to placenta, resulting in double the likelihood of intrauterine death.

CDC: Adults should get a booster shot

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issues new guidance recommending booster shots for all vaccinated people 18 and older.

Biden: Omicron cause for concern, not panic

US President provides update on new COVID variant which has world spooked.

Pfizer CEO:

New vaccine against Omicron variant could be ready in 100 days

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla says original vaccine likely still effective against new COVID variant, but will develop new vaccine just in case.

Is 'vaccine apartheid' responsible for Omicron?

In an unvaccinated population, COVID can spread unchecked and mutate faster. 3.5 billion people have yet to receive a vaccine shot.

Israeli gov't clarifies: These are the new entry regulations

Israelis, fully vaccinated B1 visa holders allowed entry to Israel, those with B2 visas require entry permit.

Israeli expert: Vaccine is best tool we have against Omicron

No evidence Omicron COVID-19 variant has spread in Israel, says Prof. Ran Balicer, chair of Health Min. experts advisory team on COVID-19.

Fauci: It will take two weeks to have definitive data on Omicron

Biden briefed on new COVID-19 variant, told existing vaccines are likely to provide "a degree of protection".

South Arica to Israel: Vaccine effective against Omicron strain

Early data from South Africa encouragingly shows that the vaccines are effective against serious illness even against the Omicron variant.

Doctor who discovered Omicron: Most cases are 'extremely mild'

South African physician who discovered Omicron variant says panic at this stage is unwarranted, noting most cases are 'very mild'.

2nd case of Omicron variant detected in Israel

Woman who recently returned from South Africa is 2nd case of new COVID strain which has world spooked in Israel.

Saudi Arabia claims no cases of Omicron variant in country

Saudi Arabia says 'laxness' of other countries, refusal of some to get vaccinated to blame for emergence of new COVID variants.

Cabinet shouting match: 'Who are you to disparage Shabak?'

PM Bennett shouts at Minister Eli Avidar after Avidar speaks against Shabak tracking of COVID patients.

CDC: No cases of 'Omicron' variant in US

US health officials say no cases of new COVID variant have been reported in the country thus far.

Emirates Airline postpones launch of new route to Tel Aviv

Postponement comes as a result of recent changes in entry protocols issued by the Israeli government.

PM: We are constantly reassessing the situation with new variant

"I know people are tired of living with COVID, but I ask of you to be patient and obedient," says PM Naftali Bennett.

COVID Czar: We're in control of the situation

Seven cases of Omicron variant confirmed in Israel. "We only have limited information on new variant; vaccine remains useful," Zarka says.

Britain announces new measures amid new COVID-19 variant

Britain announces new measures to try to slow spread of Omicron coronavirus variant.

Sa'ar: I would not rush to impose new restrictions

Justice Minister opposes restrictions on Israelis following new COVID-19 strain, but Coronavirus Cabinet approves them nonetheless.

Coronavirus Cabinet bans foreigners from entering Israel

All Israelis required to quarantine, undergo 2 PCR tests after arrival. Those returning from 'red' countries will be quarantined in hotels.

Israel to close to tourists for two weeks

Coronavirus Cabinet to discuss reinstating GPS tracking for those found to have contracted new 'Omicron' variant.

Bennett: We want to keep Israel open

PM Bennett at Corona Cabinet meeting: The key is caution & minimal risks. We want to maintain our achievement with the Delta strain.

IDF steps in to help fight new COVID-19 variant

IDF's Home Front Command assisting civilian authorities with the 'Omicron' COVID-19 variant.

Israel 'redlists' 50 African countries

Israel bans travel to 50 African countries, imposes 5,000 NIS fine for violations.

Israel may have eight cases of new Omicron variant

Health Ministry confirms: One verified case of Omicron COVID-19 variant, seven more suspected. Most of the suspected cases are unvaccinated.

Expert: Pfizer vaccine likely protects against severe illness

Prof. Barry Schoub says those vaccinated with Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine likely protected from severe illness even if infected with Omicron.

Omicron variant

No restrictions likely for Hanukkah events

Coronavirus Cabinet to discuss complete closure of Israel's borders to foreigners.

South Africa: We are being punished for our early detection

South Africa has started engaging countries that have imposed travel bans to persuade them to reconsider.

Switzerland bars entry of Israelis due to new COVID-19 variant

Germany, UK, join list of countries where new 'Omicron' variant from South Africa has been identified.

WHO names new COVID-19 variant 'Omicron'

World Health Organization says newly identified COVID-19 variant in South Africa is a "variant of concern".

'Restricting entry from other countries may be required'

Following discovery of new variant, Professor Salman Zarka says entry to tourists from other countries should be banned.

Travel from Africa banned

PM Bennett: New strain is extremely concerning:

Responding to arrival of new COVID-19 variant, Israeli government issues list of instructions for those arriving from affected countries.