Gov't appointed committee likely to back lowering age requirement for 3rd dose, with Bennett reportedly pressing members to drop it to 40 as serious cases climb up further

PM's office says Albert Bourla committed to working ‘to the best of his ability’ to move the process along and expand eligibility

Bennett tells HMOs he expects approval by Thursday night; reports suggest booster vaccine drive will be expanded to over-50s first, over-40s shortly after

Director-General Ram Belinkov warns if closure is ordered, there won't be unemployment handouts as before; Health Ministry director says decision to come within 2-3 weeks

Top health official says measures being weighed to stem resurgence ‘without harming economy’; government said set to expand list of 'high risk' countries, tighten Green Pass

Nachman Ash says further measures being weighed to stem COVID resurgence ‘without harming economy’; ministers said set to expand list of 'high risk' countries, tighten Green Pass

Nachman Ash says 3rd shot will help fight against coronavirus but boosters may be needed perpetually; serious COVID cases rise to 212

Health minister defends being first country to approve 3rd shot for those older than 60: 'Any wait or delay in making the decision would cost lives'

Gov't-appointed board gives approval to boosters after seeing data revealing drop in vaccine effectiveness over time among those above 60; Health Ministry chief's approval needed

'It will ramp up morbidity and there will be a lot more infections,' says Nachman Ash, as health and education ministries differ sharply over plan for new school year