Virus czar: Israeli kids to start getting inoculated after US counterparts, parents must 'protect their children'; Health chief Ash: Government go-ahead may come 'in several weeks'

Health Ministry said to weigh mandating quarantine for those who come in contact with patients infected with new strain, even if they are fully vaccinated

Nachman Ash estimates booster vaccine will offer longer protection than first 2 doses, as outbreak continues to wane with positive test rate lowest in almost 3 months

Measures include expanding Green Classroom pilot program to daycares, reduction of criteria requiring Green Pass for children under 12, removing gyms from Green Pass requirement

Health Ministry figures show positive test rate below 2% for fifth day in a row, but director-general warns there will be no let-up on some infection precautions for months

Health Ministry director says the 'decline is clear'; national virus czar predicts an easing of restrictions in light of 'significant improvement'

Document granting access to certain venues for vaccinated, recovered now only valid for 6 months after last shot; coronavirus cabinet to convene Sunday for first time in a month

Coronavirus cabinet to convene Sunday for first time in over a month; meeting comes as nearly 2 million Israelis lose Green Pass under updated rules

All existing passes will be voided Sunday and Israeli will need to issue new, updated ones; those who have not gotten booster 6 months after last dose will lose theirs

Latest Health Ministry figures show number of hospitalized in serious condition now at 586, with 4,353 new cases diagnosed on Thursday; total death count rises to 7,766