Health Ministry chief: This may be the most worrying variant yet

Health Ministry Director Nachman Ash says the Omicron variant is “definitely worrying, perhaps the most worrying variant we’ve had yet.”

But he also says much is still unknown about it, including how serious it is, and whether vaccination or previous infection protects against it. “I hope we’ll know more in the next few days,” he tells Channel 13 news.

He says early evidence appears to suggest vaccination at least protects against serious infection.

According to the Kan broadcaster, both people found with the variant in Israel have extremely mild cases. Both were vaccinated at least twice.

Ash tells Channel 13 the closure of the airport to foreigners is a temporary measure for two weeks, and hopefully by then authorities will have more information to decide how to move forward.

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