First 2 cases of BA.5 reported in Israel; ministry also announces another infection from BA.4 subvariant, both of which are spreading in South Africa

Knesset committee told officials will meet in coming weeks to discuss lifting further restrictions, including quarantine for positive cases

Passengers from South Africa, Singapore and Italy found to be infected with BA.4; Health Minister Horowitz says no reason to worry at this time

Large study, based on every living 18+ Israeli hospitalized for mental illness, gives stark picture of increased danger they face from the virus, even years after discharge

Prof. Roni Gamzu says that checks are irrelevant now, find only 'small percentage' of daily infections

Israelis have been subject to requirement for all but 10 days since April 2020; will still be required at hospitals, senior living facilities, planes

City of 25 million only reports 25 coronavirus deaths despite major outbreak in recent months; Chinese authorities use less transparent, inconsistent methods of tallying statistics

Researchers say longest reported infection underscores importance of protecting vulnerable people from coronavirus, with virus found to mutate during persistent infections

Move must still be okayed by Knesset; comes after US judge struck down mask rule on public transit; Israelis have been subject to requirement for all but 10 days since April 2020

Dr. Ashish Jha says Israeli research reveals that those over 60 who had second booster shot four months after first booster saw substantial reduction in infections and deaths